By ando 
Enshrined in the heart of Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, is Asaka Kuninomiyatsuko jinja. Though situated amidst the urban hustle and bustle of towering buildings, stepping onto the shrine grounds immediately envelops you in a sacred atmosphere where time seems to stand still. This time, we will explore the allure of this jinja, which boasts over 1800 years of history, numerous legends, and surprising untold stories.
Basic Information and 1800 Years of History
The founding of Asaka Kuninomiyatsuko jinja dates back surprisingly far, to 135 AD (the 5th year of Emperor Seimu’s reign). It is said to have begun when Hito-ne-no-mikoto, the first Asaka Kuninomiyatsuko (a local official at the time), enshrined his ancestor, Ama-no-hi-akari-no-mikoto, during the development of this land.
During the Heian period, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, the Seii Taishogun (Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force against the Barbarians), prayed for victory during his eastern expedition and enshrined Hachiman Okami alongside the existing kami. For this reason, it has long been affectionately known by locals as “Hachimansama.”
Even a Morning Drama Heroine’s Model! Untold “Behind-the-Scenes Story”
This jinja holds episodes that will surprise not only history enthusiasts but also drama fans.
Masako Ando, wife of Nissin Foods founder Momofuku Ando, was the model for the heroine of NHK’s morning drama “Manpuku.” In fact, she hails from the family of Ando Chikashige, the 56th chief priest (guji) of Asaka Kuninomiyatsuko jinja. It is a truly fascinating connection that a woman who supported a figure who changed global food culture was born from a distinguished family of Shinto priests in Koriyama.
Birthplace of Asaka Gonsai, a Bakumatsu-era Giant of Intellect
Within the shrine grounds, there is a memorial hall for the great Confucian scholar of the late Edo period, Asaka Gonsai. Gonsai was born as the third son of the jinja’s chief priest and later opened a private school, the “Sankei-juku,” in Edo.
Many patriots of the Meiji Restoration, such as Yataro Iwasaki, Shinsaku Takasugi, and Shoin Yoshida, emerged from his tutelage. Gonsai’s “Sankei no Oshie” (Three Plans Teaching) – “The plan for a day is in the morning, the plan for a year is in spring, and the plan for a lifetime is in one’s youth” – continues to inspire many people today. For students wishing for academic success, it is an essential power spot.
Anime Fans Must See! Sacred Site Pilgrimage Information
Asaka Kuninomiyatsuko jinja has also been depicted as a setting in anime works and is known among fans as a “sacred site” (seichi).
Flip Flappers
It served as a model for a jinja appearing in the work, faithfully reproducing the mysterious atmosphere of the shrine grounds.
The Rolling Girls
It appears in episodes 11 and 12, the “Koriyama Arc.” The shrine grounds and the vibrant autumn festival, which will be discussed later, are depicted, making it an important setting for the work.
Strolling through the shrine grounds while recalling scenes from the anime will allow you to experience a different charm.
The Asaka Kuninomiyatsuko jinja Autumn Grand Festival, Adorning Koriyama’s Autumn
The Autumn Festival, held annually from September 27th to 29th, is one of Koriyama’s largest festivals.
A particular highlight is the “Mikoshi Kankyo” (return of the portable shrines) held on the evenings of the 28th and 29th. The sight of three ancient mikoshi and over 30 floats (dashi) from neighborhood associations filling the main street in front of the station is simply breathtaking. The fervor of this festival can truly be called the source of Koriyama citizens’ energy.
Mystery and Legend: Hachimansama for Fire Protection
This jinja has long been worshipped as a kami of “hibuse” (fire protection/prevention). There is also a legend that when Koriyama was once struck by a great fire, only the area around this jinja mysteriously remained unburnt. Even today, many citizens offer their daily prayers to it as a guardian kami watching over the city’s safety.
In Closing
Asaka Kuninomiyatsuko jinja is not merely an old jinja. It is a place where layers of history have accumulated, from ancient pioneering myths to Bakumatsu-era education, a morning drama connection, and modern anime culture.
Since it is within walking distance from Koriyama Station, please take the opportunity to feel the breath of 1800 years in this “urban guardian forest” amidst your business or sightseeing.
Access: Approximately 8 minutes walk from JR Koriyama Station
Enshrined Kami: Ama-no-hi-akari-no-mikoto, Waku-musubi-no-kami, Hito-ne-no-mikoto, Homudawake-no-mikoto (Hachiman Okami), Ukanomitama-no-kami (Inari Okami)
Related Links / References
Yasui Sokken | Miyazaki Prefecture’s Pioneer for Local Culture
Yasui Sokken
1900 Years of History!? ~Asaka Kuninomiyatsuko jinja~ | tohoku365
Sacred Site Pilgrimage: List of Anime Works Set in Fukushima Prefecture! Alphabetical by Title and by Area | Seichi Junrei Guild
7 Anime Sacred Sites in Fukushima Prefecture! Enjoy a Thorough Pilgrimage to Popular Sites Recommended for Tourism! | DEEPLOG