2025.04.10

Shrine dedicated to Lord Taira Shomon (3) Kabuto Shrine

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Tucked away in Tokyo's business district, Kabuto Shrine is an urban oasis steeped in history. This shrine enshrines Prince Taira Shomon, who has made his mark on Japan history, and attracts the hearts of those who seek his legends and anecdotes. When many people hear the name of Kabuto Shrine, they visit it as a special place to express their gratitude and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The story of how this shrine developed and draws many worshippers to this day is very interesting. Read on to reveal the history and charm behind Kabuto Shrine, and you'll be drawn in as well.

Article Contents

Kabuto Shrine and the spiritual pillar of Tokyo Securities District, history, faith, and a bridge to the future
- 1. The origin of Kabutocho, the legendary Kabutozuka and the prayer of the warlord
  - 2. The Transition of the Sacred Gods and the Existence of Gods to Respond to the Needs of the Times
  - 3. Deep connection with the Tokyo Stock Exchange and role as the guardian deity of the securities district

Kabuto Shrine and the spiritual pillar of Tokyo Securities District, history, faith, and a bridge to the future

Japan Bridge Kabutocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. This location, centered on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), is known as a major hub that drives Japan's financial economy. However, in the corner of the bustling business district, there is a shrine that stands quietly. That is the Kabuto Shrine. The small shrine, located just north of the Tokyo Stock Exchange Main Building and across the road from the Japan Bridge River, has long attracted people's worship as the guardian deity of the securities district.

More than just a place, Kabuto Shrine embodies the history of Kabutocho and, by extension, the financial history of Japan itself. The legend of Kabutozuka, from which its name derives, the object of worship that has changed with the changing times, and its deep relationship with the TSE. All of this is what makes Kabuto Shrine so special. Digging deeper into this shrine is also about touching on the economic history of Japan and the spiritual history of its people.

1. The origin of Kabutocho, the legendary Kabutozuka and the prayer of the warlord

The roots of the name Kabutocho lie in the "Kabutozuka" that has existed in this area for a long time. There are various theories about the origin of this mound, but the most famous is the legend of the late Heian period warlord Minamoto Yoshiie.

After completing the large-scale campaign in the Tohoku region called the conquest of Oshu, Minamoto Yoshiie stopped at this place on his way to Kyoto. It is said that after many years of fighting and suffering many casualties, Yoshike buried his helmet in the ground, built a mound, thanked them for their victory, and offered a prayer for repose of souls and peace. This mound is Kabutozuka, and it is the origin of the place name Kabutocho.

Minamoto Yoshiie has been passed down to future generations not only as a mere warlord, but also as a person who combined valor and virtue. The act of the righteous family burying the helmet, which is a symbol of battle, and praying for peace, speaks of the special significance of this place. Kabutozuka is not just a historical site, but a place where the spirit of a warlord and a wish for peace are put into it.

As for the origin of Kabutozuka, there are theories that it is the place where the Heian period warlord Taira no Masakado buried his helmet during battle, and that it is an ancient burial mound. These theories suggest that Kabutozuka was not confined to a specific time or person, but was an object of worship in some form since ancient times.

2. The Transition of the Sacred Gods and the Existence of Gods to Respond to the Needs of the Times

The current shrine deity of Kabuto Shrine is dedicated to the god of commerce, Uka Mitama Mikoto, and the god of marriage, Ōkuni Nushi Mikoto, and the god of prosperous business. However, if you unravel the history of Kabuto Shrine, you will find that the shrine has changed over time.

In the early Meiji era, when Kabuto Shrine was first founded, the Minamoto Yoshike family, who were related to Kabutozuka, were enshrined as sacred spirits. However, after that, he received a split spirit from the Fuku Shrine, which is the precinct shrine of the Sango Inari Shrine that the Mitsui family worshipped, and it was decided that the life of the lord of the country and the life of the chief of affairs would be enshrined.

This change in the shrine greatly changed the character of Kabuto Shrine. It changed from a shrine dedicated to the warlord Minamoto Yoshiie to a shrine dedicated to the god of commerce, the god of commerce, the god of marriage, the god of marriage, the god of marriage, and the god of prosperous business. Behind this change was a change in the needs of the times.

In the Meiji era, Japan's economy developed significantly, and commerce began to play an important role. In addition, people's values have diversified, and their desire for personal happiness and success has increased. In order to respond to these changes in the times, Kabuto Shrine sought to meet the needs of the people by enshrining the god of commerce and the god of marriage.

Today, the deities enshrined in Kabuto Shrine are said to bring different benefits, but what they have in common is that they are gods who wish for the happiness and prosperity of people. Kabuto Shrine is not just a shrine dedicated to the god of commerce, but also a presence that accepts and supports the various wishes of the people.

3. Deep connection with the Tokyo Stock Exchange and role as the guardian deity of the securities district

The background to the Kabuto Shrine in its current form is its deep connection with the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE). When the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the predecessor of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, was established in 1878 (Meiji 11), the exchange became the valedictorian of Kabuto Shrine. Since that time, Kabuto Shrine has been the guardian deity of the securities district and has walked with the TSE.

The TSE is an important institution that supports Japan's economy, and the people who work there are always under a great deal of pressure and responsibility. We are exposed to various information on a daily basis, such as fluctuations in stock prices and changes in economic conditions, and we are forced to make decisions. Under such circumstances, Kabuto Shrine has served as a source of inspiration for those who work at the TSE.

Every year, TSE officials visit the Kabuto Shrine to pray for the safety and prosperity of transactions. In addition, during the year-end and New Year holidays, many investors visit to pray that the market will move in a good direction in the new year. Kabuto Shrine is not just a shrine for people working on the TSE and investors, but a source of peace of mind and hope.

The relationship between Kabuto Shrine and the TSE is not limited to a mere valedictorian relationship. Kabuto Shrine has walked with the TSE as a symbol of the history of the TSE and the financial history of Japan. The development of the TSE is also the development of the Kabuto Shrine, and it can be said that the existence of the Kabuto Shrine is also of great significance to the TSE.

Urban Development, Shrine Relocation, and the Appearance of Shrines in the Changing Era

Kabuto Shrine has undergone several relocations in its history. In Showa 2 (1927), it was moved to its current location where the Japan Bridge River and the Kaede River diverge, and a reinforced concrete shrine was built. Then, in Showa 46 (1971), with the construction of the Metropolitan Expressway, the position was moved again and rebuilt into the current shrine.

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