By ando 
Kiryu Nishinomiya Jinja, located in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, appears at first glance to be a quiet shrine in the city. However, it is actually a power spot imbued with tremendous history and energy. This time, we will delve into its unique status as the ‘only one in the Kanto region,’ the story behind its massive festival that shakes the city, and its surprising connection to anime.
Basic Information
Location: 2-1-3 Miyamoto-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture
Enshrined kami: Kotoshiro-nushi no Mikoto (also known as Ebisu-sama)
Divine Blessings: Business prosperity, family safety, good fortune and happiness
The Only One in Kanto! Special Status Acknowledged by the Head Shrine
The most significant characteristic of Kiryu Nishinomiya Jinja is that it is the only shrine in the Kanto region officially recognized as a direct branch shrine by Nishinomiya Jinja, the head shrine of all Ebisu jinja nationwide, located in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture.
It began in Meiji 34 (1901), when wealthy merchants in Kiryu, then experiencing unprecedented prosperity in the textile industry, ardently wished to bring the ‘kami of business prosperity’ to their land and formally invited a bunrei (divided spirit) from the head shrine. This status, which allowed it to bear the same name ‘Nishinomiya’ as the head shrine, rather than being a mere invitation, speaks volumes about the immense economic power of Kiryu at that time.
The Legendary Kiryu Ebisu-ko: Two Days of Frenzy Attracting 200,000 People
Held annually on November 19th and 20th, the Kiryu Ebisu-ko is known as one of the largest Ebisu festivals in the Kanto region. Over these two days alone, more than 200,000 visitors flock to Kiryu City, which has a population of roughly 100,000, more than doubling its number.
Scrambling for ‘Treasures’!? The highlight of the festival is the lucky Kumade (bamboo rakes), which are considered ‘treasures.’ Lively hand-clapping chants (tejime) echo throughout the shrine grounds, as magnificent kumade are sold one after another. Interestingly, when purchasing these kumade, it is considered a stylish way to buy them by negotiating the price with the vendor and then leaving the ‘discounted’ amount as a gratuity (goshugi) for the shop.
Inheriting the Spirit of Fukuo-erabi (Lucky Man Selection): Nishinomiya Jinja, the head shrine, is famous for its ‘Fukuo-erabi’ (Lucky Man Selection) event, where participants race to the main hall as soon as the gates open. Kiryu Nishinomiya Jinja also follows this tradition, selecting its own Fukuo (Lucky Men) and Fukujo (Lucky Women). The excitement, just like at the original, truly makes it a sight worthy of the moniker ‘Nishinomiya of the East.’
Mystery and Backstory: Why Ebisu-sama in a ‘Textile Town’?
Kiryu has long been known as a textile town, hailed as ‘Nishijin in the West, Kiryu in the East.’ However, textile artisans traditionally worship kami of weaving (such as Shirataki-hime). So why was Ebisu-sama, the ‘kami of fishing and business,’ so deeply revered here?
This can be attributed to the ‘foresight’ of Kiryu’s merchants. They focused not just on producing textiles, but on how to sell them widely and at a good price. The untold story is that by deliberately inviting the ‘kami of business’ to their town, these merchants, who wished for success in distribution and commerce, enabled Kiryu to ride the wave of modernization and achieve explosive development.
Anime Pilgrimage: Scenes Etched in The Flowers of Evil
Kiryu City, with its unique retro townscape, has served as the setting for many anime and films. In particular, the anime The Flowers of Evil, based on Shuzo Oshimi’s manga, features Kiryu City as its main stage.
In the series, Kiryu’s old buildings and alleys appear as a symbol of a claustrophobic yet somehow beautiful town where the protagonists wander. While Kiryu Nishinomiya Jinja itself is not the main setting, the surrounding area of the shrine, the unique bustle during the Ebisu-ko festival, and the path leading to the adjacent Kiryu Tenmangu are pilgrimage spots where fans can directly experience the atmosphere of the work.
Furthermore, in recent years, Kiryu City as a whole has also become known as a location scouting site for the anime Sonny Boy, and the nostalgic scenery around the shrine is a must-see walking course for anime fans.
Tips for Your Visit
The local custom is to visit Kiryu Nishinomiya Jinja together with the adjacent Kiryu Tenmangu. By exploring these two contrasting shrines—the splendid decorations of Tenmangu and the sturdy yet vibrant atmosphere of Nishinomiya Jinja—you can gain an even deeper sense of Kiryu’s rich history.
Whether you are facing a business challenge or embarking on a new endeavor, why not visit Kiryu to receive the power of the ‘direct lineage Ebisu-sama,’ the only one of its kind in the Kanto region?
Related Links and References
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