By ando 
Tsushima jinja is located in Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture. It is the head shrine for approximately 3,000 Tsushima jinja and Tenno sha shrines across Japan, and has long been deeply revered as “Tsushima no Tenno-sama.” This article delves into the charms of this jinja, which captivated samurai warlords and remains shrouded in many mysteries and legends to this day.
Basic Information
Location: 1 Shinmeicho, Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture
Enshrined kami: Takehayasusaono mikoto
History: According to shrine tradition, it was founded in 540 (the first year of Emperor Kinmei’s reign). It was formerly known as Tsushima Gozu Tenno sha and was revered as a sacred site for warding off epidemics, alongside Kyoto’s Yasaka jinja.
Why Oda Nobunaga Revered Tsushima jinja as his “Ujigami” (Tutelary Deity)
It is impossible to talk about Tsushima jinja without mentioning its deep connection with the Three Great Unifiers of the Sengoku period. Oda Nobunaga, in particular, revered this jinja as his own ujigami.
– Secret of the family crest: The Oda clan’s family crest, “Oda Mokko,” is actually the same as Tsushima jinja’s shrine crest. Nobunaga unified Owari Province by leveraging Tsushima’s economic power, which is why he held this area in such high regard.
– Hideyoshi’s Romon Gate: The vibrant vermilion Romon gate, currently designated as a National Important Cultural Property, was donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Furthermore, the Honden (main hall) was donated by Matsudaira Tadayoshi’s wife (the fourth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu) to pray for his recovery from illness, making it truly a place revered by those who ruled the nation.
Legend and Mystery: The Untold Story of the “Lottery” That Deceived Hideyoshi
An interesting episode related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi remains.
Deeply impressed by the splendor of Tsushima jinja’s Tenno Matsuri festival at the time, Hideyoshi ordered, “Move this festival to Kyoto!” The distressed locals proposed a lottery, saying, “Let us consult the kami’s will.”
It is said that the locals had secretly rigged the lottery beforehand, making all the lots drawn by Hideyoshi’s messenger say “No.” In the end, Hideyoshi gave up, saying, “If the kami says no, then it cannot be helped.” This is an intriguing backstory that speaks to the wisdom and strong faith of the people of Tsushima.
The Mystery of the Strongest Amulet, the “Kurofuda” (Black Talisman)
Tsushima jinja is home to a powerful omamori (talisman) known to those in the know: the “Akuyaku Taisan Monfuda” (Plague Expelling Gate Talisman), commonly called “Kurofuda” (Black Talisman).
This is based on the legend of Somin Shorai. It originates from a promise Susanoo no mikoto made to the poor Somin Shorai, who offered him lodging during his journey: “If an epidemic breaks out, say ‘Descendant of Somin Shorai’ and bear a mark, and I will save you.”
It is said that by displaying this Kurofuda at your entrance, no calamity will enter your home. Its powerful efficacy has garnered renewed attention since the COVID-19 pandemic.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: “Owari Tsushima Tenno Matsuri”
The Owari Tsushima Tenno Matsuri, held every July, is counted as one of Japan’s three great river festivals.
– Ethereal Lantern Boats: The sight of “Makiwara-bune” boats, adorned with 500 lanterns in a hemispherical shape, illuminating the river surface, is recorded to have been viewed by Nobunaga himself.
– 365 Lanterns: The number of lanterns decorating the boats, 365, represents the days in a year. The 12 lanterns hoisted on the central main mast represent the months of the year, making it a mystical festival closely tied to the calendar.
Anime Pilgrimage Spot Information
Tsushima jinja and its surroundings are also known as a pilgrimage spot for the popular anime, “Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki.”
In the series, Tsushima jinja and the Tenno Matsuri are introduced as local Aichi Prefecture topics, with descriptions full of local charm. Anime fans can enjoy strolling through the shrine grounds while recalling scenes from the show.
After Your Visit
In the shrine town, you’ll find Tsushima’s famous “Akada” and “Kutsuwa,” very hard traditional sweets. These are lucky charms associated with the shrine’s festivals. As a souvenir of your visit, be sure to experience their historical crunch.
Tsushima jinja was considered so important during the Edo period that people would say, “If you visit Ise without visiting Tsushima, it’s only half a pilgrimage,” placing it on par with Ise Jingu. Why not feel a special power at this place where prayers for warding off epidemics and the ambitions of samurai warlords converge?
Related Links and References
[1] Somin Shorai | Japanese Fictional Tradition Personal Names Dictionary / Kokushi Daijiten / Sekai Daihyakka Jiten
[2] YouTube
[3] http://www.md.ccnw.ne.jp/rekishi_tajimi/%E5%B0%BE%E5%BC%B5%E3%80%80%E5%BC%8F%E5%A4%96%E7%A4%BE%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A4%E3%81%84%E3%81%A6.html
[4] Tsushima City Tourism Association » Tsushima jinja
[5] Tamapon Tsushin Ichiran / Tamapon Gift
[6] Prayer for Averting Evil Thoughts 🙏 Visiting Tsushima jinja, where Gozu Tenno is enshrined (Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture) – Yuriharu’s Shrine and Temple Power Spot Tour
[7] Tsushima jinja’s Gate Talisman | Prayers to Yaoyorozu no Kami (Eight Million Gods)