天長地震後1200年（5）
世界物語遺産（English
Version）
The Tencho Earthquake was a massive tremor that struck
on the morning of January 3, 830 (the seventh year of the Tencho era); its
epicenter was located approximately 5 kilometers northeast of Akita Castle.
In an instant, the castle fortifications collapsed,
and buildings within the complex toppled, resulting in both deaths and
injuries. Disasters also struck the Omono River flowing near the castle, as
well as the upstream sections of the Asahi and Taihei Rivers. Furthermore,
nearby Mount Katsuhira was affected, and the settlements established at its
foot were completely destroyed. This catastrophe unfolded amidst heavy
snowfall.
Although some 1,200 years have passed since the Tencho
Earthquake, it continues to exert a profound influence on the lives and culture
of the local people in numerous ways.
This series shows the English version of "World
Story Heritage" and explores an aftermath of the earthquake. In
particular, it takes up the sacred site of Ishiyama as a background of the
story.
733
秋田城
世界地図における位置
Akita Castle
Location on the world map
.jpg)
出羽国における位置
秋田城
Location within Dewa Province
Akita Castle
.jpg)
現代における模型
Scale Models in the Modern Era
.jpg)
2011
世界物語遺産
World Story
Heritage
Today, about
1,200 years after the Tencho Earthquake, a story passed down among the
residents living near the sacred site of Ishiyama—located at the foot of Mount
Katsuhira, close to the Akita Castle ruins—has been compiled as part of the
"World Story Heritage." This story takes the form of a picture book
titled *Omusubi Jizo-san, Pulled out of the Sea*.
Here
is the English version of the story.
.jpg)
世界物語遺産
「海から上がったおむすび地蔵さん」
えいご
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Another Meaning of *Omusubi* (rice balls)
*Omusubi*
(rice balls) are a food that sustains our lives. Yet, they hold another
significant meaning: the word *musubi* signifies the birth of something
new—something that did not exist before.
In
ancient Japanese culture, the concept of "life" was referred to as
*hi*; when written in kanji, it was represented by the character for
"spirit" (霊) and expressed as *musuhi* (産霊). In
other words, *musubi* also embodies the meaning of a new spirit—or life—coming
into existence.
When
the old woman offered an *omusubi* to the Jizo statue, it was simply because,
on an unconscious level, she perceived the statue as a living spirit. Viewing
all things as possessing life—in this perspective, we can see the richness of
Japanese culture.
A story
like this has been handed down at Shohei-ji Temple, and it is truly a wonderful
folktale. Incidentally, the "younger sister" Jizo who appeared in the
old woman's dream is the Enmei Jizo (Jizo of Longevity) standing at the sacred
site of Ishiyama. In short, the Enmei Jizo is the heroine of the story.
The
Jizo lives on the story forever.
.jpg)
延命地蔵
Enmei Jizo
Enmei
Jizo—venerated as a guardian deity of children—is depicted with a small,
endearing figure, holding a wish-granting jewel in the left hand and a staff
for warding off evil in the right.
To
ensure the children's healthy growth, the statue is adorned with a red hood and
a red bib, both of which serve as talismans against evil.
背景
Backgrounds
1917－1938
雄物川放水路
Omono River Flood Bypass
.jpg)
Before
the completion of the Omono River flood bypass, the lower reaches of the Omono
River meandered significantly, causing annual flood damage during heavy rains.
In 1886, as a measure to protect the region from such disasters, a plan was
adopted to block the river at a point 10 kilometers upstream from its mouth and
construct a new 2-kilometer channel—excavated through the hills from Araya—to
divert the water into the Sea of Japan. Construction began in 1917 and was
completed in 1938, requiring 22 years, enormous expense, and a vast amount of
labor.
2024
雄物川放水路
Omono River Flood Bypass
.JPG)
1930
新屋浜古墳
Burial Mound of Araya Beach
In
1930, during the excavation work for the Omono River flood bypass, Jomon-period
pottery was discovered beneath a sand dune approximately 33 meters high.
Furthermore, a composite wooden coffin and human skeletal remains were
unearthed from a layer about two meters below that point. A convex roof tile
(*marugawara*) was also found nearby; as it appeared to be a type used at Akita
Castle, the wooden coffin is presumed to date from the Akita Castle era.
At that
time, the area was not yet plagued by sand dunes but was instead a wilderness
overgrown with broad-leaved trees. The 33-meter-high dune is believed to have
formed later through the accumulation of windblown sand that gradually shifted
into the area after the Akita Castle period.
The
burial method—placing a coffin in a pit dug approximately two meters down from
the surface layer where Jomon pottery was scattered—was a practice common
during the Nara or Heian periods.
石山の高台
High Ground of Ishiyama
The
hills, wild fields, and riverbanks surrounding Akita Castle served as burial
grounds for the common people. Specifically, the area known as
Ishiyama—situated on high ground at the foot of nearby Mount Katsuhira—was a
place where mourners would gather after a burial to pray for the repose of the
deceased’s soul and bid them a final farewell.
Then as
now, the view from this high ground is magnificent, offering a setting that
could provide at least some solace for one's grief.
In
later years, the site became a place for memorial services and prayer; statues
were erected not only of Prince Shotoku and various Buddhas associated with
Akita Castle but also of Buddhist figures dedicated to those who lost their
lives in natural or man-made disasters.
In
ancient Japanese culture, the concept of "life" (*inochi*) was
referred to as "*hi*" and represented by the kanji character for
"spirit" (*rei*). In this sense, a Buddhist statue is viewed as the
embodiment of a new spirit—a new life. It is from this perspective that the
high ground of Ishiyama is known as a "sacred site" (*reichi*).
Furthermore,
a statue of the *Miroku Bosatsu Hanka Shii-zo* (Maitreya Bodhisattva in the
posture of contemplative meditation)—depicting the figure deep in thought about
creating a bright future—is enshrined here, representing salvation yet to come.
.JPG)
石山の東―太平山―
East of Ishiyama — Mount Taihei —
.JPG)
Mount
Taihei is a 1,170-meter-high mountain, located northeast of Akita City. Mount
Taihei, a high and beautiful mountain, became an object of worship as a
god-like being for local residents. Fascinated with the beauty and glory of the
mountain in the rising sun or in the setting sun, the people in the area
worshipped the mountain’s divinity as the food for the mind.
The
summit of Mount Taihei found the first climber in its mountain history in May,
673. It was En no Gyōja who successfully reached the top. He appeared at the foot of Mount Taihei from
Kimpusen-ji temple in Mount Yoshino, Nara Prefecture. He tried to
climb Mount Taihei by himself and then founded
a small temple to get spiritual power through discipline.
En no
Gyōja practiced asceticism of shugendō. And they enshrined the Healing Buddha
for those suffering from illness in the Taihei area, worshipped there and
prayed for their healing.
石山の南―鳥海山―
South of Ishiyama — Mount Chokai —
.JPG)
Mount
Chokai (Chokai-san) is an active volcano located on the border
of
Akita
and Yamagata in Dewa Province, and is 2,236 meters high. Because
of its (roughly) symmetrical shape and massive size, it is also variously known
as Dewa Fuji or Akita Fuji depending on the
location of the viewer.
In 680,
Emperor Tenmu sent En no Gyōja to Ryūzanji Temple at Kodaki at the foot of
Mount Chokai, Kisakata-machi, Nikaho City. En no Gyōja was asked to stamp out
the epidemic which was prevalent all over the country, reaching there on March
17.
Gyōja
prayed for 21 days for their recovery of those who suffered from illness. In
that way, Gyōja’s prayer, or his supernatural power, suppressed the epidemic
here and there in Japan those days.
Emperor
Tenmu also built temples here and there all over the country, worshiping
Yakushi-botoke, the Medicine Buddha.
石山の北西―男鹿三山―
Northwest of Ishiyama — The Three Mountains of Oga
Peninsula —
.JPG)
These
beautiful mountains on the Oga Peninsula—comprising Mt. Shinzan, Mt. Kenashi,
and a third peak, Mt. Honzan—are collectively known as the "Three
Mountains of Oga." Revered since ancient times as a site dedicated to the
deity Akagami Gongen, the area flourished as a training ground for * shugendō *
ascetics starting in the late Heian period.
Shinzan
Shrine, located at the northern trailhead, is a site closely associated with
the "Namahage", a traditional festival.
At the
southern trailhead stands Akagami Shrine Goshado, featuring a stone staircase
of 999 steps said to have been built by demons in a single night.
石山の西―日本海―
West of Ishiyama — The Sea of Japan—
.JPG)
Exchange
with Bohai started in 739, when Akita Castle in Dewa Province served as a
diplomatic facility.
830
天長地震と石仏
The Tencho Earthquake and Stone Buddhas
An
earthquake in 830 caused the collapse of Akita Castle—a fortification
established to guard the northern frontier and serve as a bulwark against the
state of Balhae. Structures within the complex, including the Shitenno-do Hall
and its *joroku* (sixteen-foot-tall) Buddha statue, also toppled, while ground
fissures and landslides scarred the landscape. Fifteen people lost their lives
within the castle grounds alone.
It is
also said that Shohei-ji Temple and its stone Buddha images, located at the
foot of Mount Katsuhira, were buried in sand.
The
majority of the local population consisted of *fushu* (subjugated Emishi
people). Later, Yamato settlers arrived to oversee them; these residents
engaged in fishing and hunting, yet took up arms to defend Akita Castle
whenever conflict arose. Subsequently, the area prospered as people moved in to
practice agriculture and salt production.
However,
this peaceful community was devastated by the earthquake, which brought about
its total ruin. It is estimated that a significant number of residents perished
in the disaster.
聖徳太子
在位 593－622
Prince Shotoku
Reign: 593-622
Dewa
Shitenno-ji—one of the forty-six temples associated with Prince Shotoku—was
once established at Akita Castle. With Kannon as its principal deity and the
Four Heavenly Kings as its guardian deities, it served as a place of prayer for
the protection of the nation and its people.
Although
the Shitenno-ji temple complex and its Shiō-dō hall collapsed due to
earthquakes, Prince Shotoku remains revered for his Buddhist virtues and spirit
of universal benevolence, and he is enshrined at the sacred site of Ishiyama.
The
phrase "Harmony is to be valued above all else" appears in Article 1
of the *Seventeen-Article Constitution*, enacted in the early seventh century.
The "spirit of harmony" advocated by Prince Shotoku serves as a
fundamental principle for world peace—transcending time and place, and enduring
for all eternity.
.JPG)
.jpg)
和を以て天下統一夢の跡
Through harmony
unifying the
country—
the traces of His
dream
1185
石山観音
Ishiyama Kannon
.jpg)
In
1185, about 355 years after the Tencho earthquake, a stone statue was caught in
the net of fishermen who were fishing offshore and pulled from the sea.
The
surprised fishermen quickly took it back and built a small shrine on the hill
of Katsuhira, which offered a magnificent view, and worshiped it as
"Ishiyama Kannon-sama."
Afterward,
miraculously, the fishing continued to be bountiful, and it is said that the
light of the small shrine lights offered as thanks served as a guide for
navigation, ensuring safe fishing.
Even
now, 840 years after the discovery of the stone statue, the gentle and
endearing face of Ishiyama Kannon continues to soothe visitors. The stone
statue is a temple treasure of Shohei-ji.
1952
石山平和観音
Ishiyama Peace Kannon
.jpg)
.jpg)
1964
勝平寺
Shohei-ji Temple
.JPG)
.JPG)
Shohei-ji
Temple has a long history; situated at the foot of Mount Katsuhira since
ancient times, it was a focal point of faith for local residents.
However,
a massive earthquake on January 3rd of Tencho 7 (733)—during the early Heian
period—devastated Akita Castle and buried Shohei-ji and stone Buddha images in
sand, causing it to become a "phantom temple" for over 1,400 years.
In July
1964 (Showa 39), the temple was revived and re-established through the efforts
of the priest Takayanagi Kojo and the local community; since then, known as
Sekiryu-zan Shohei-ji, it has served as a spiritual sanctuary for the people.
Subsequently, the sacred site of Ishiyama became the temple's holy ground.
Construction
of the current temple complex began in 2001 (Heisei 13) and was completed four
years later, in 2005 (Heisei 17).
9.24
石山平和観音例大祭
Ishiyama Peace Kannon Annual Grand Festival
.JPG)
Every year on September 24, a memorial service for world peace and a memorial service for the war dead of the Araya and Katsuhira districts are held in front of the Peace Kannon statue next to Shohei-ji Temple.
These
services are dedicated to praying for world peace and the fulfillment of the
worshippers' wishes, as well as to honoring those who lost their lives in the
war.
.jpg)
.jpg)
The
worship of the Thirty-Three Kannon is based on the teaching that Kannon
Bodhisattva transforms into thirty-three different forms to respond to people's
suffering and prayers.
Kannon
Bodhisattva is revered as a compassionate figure who perceives the hearts of
people and extends a helping hand; the deity has long been affectionately known
simply as "Kannon-sama."
The
number thirty-three is symbolic, representing the various forms of salvation
offered to suit different situations and individuals.
2011
弥勒菩薩半跏思惟像
“Maitreya
Bodhisattva sitting in Half-Lotus Position”
.JPG)
Maitreya Bodhisattva embodies the spirit of loving-kindness
and is revered as a figure of exceptional compassion among all the
bodhisattvas.
Shakyamuni Buddha foretold that, approximately two and a half
thousand years after his passing, an era of great turmoil would arrive; he
charged Maitreya with the mission of
saving the people and illuminating the future during that time.
The iconic *hanka shiyui* posture—seated with one leg crossed
and a hand touching the cheek in contemplation—is said to represent Maitreya
deep in thought, contemplating how to create a bright future.
Maitreya has long been worshipped as the bodhisattva who will
save our future.
It is said that when the appointed time arrives, Maitreya
will descend to this world and, beneath the *Ryuge-ju* (Dragon Flower Tree),
preach the Dharma to the people on three separate occasions.
On April 8, Buddha’s birthday, 2011, the eye-opening ceremony
for the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue was conducted, with Reverend Chiten Shunsai—the
second head priest of Sekiryuzan Shohei-ji Temple—officiating as the presiding
master.
The construction was carried out by Mr. Tomiyuki Sato, head
of Sato Stone Industry.
.jpg)
乱世に無言の弥勒八重桜
In troubled times
in silence does
Maitreya think
double cherry
blossoms
2026
秋田城「眺望の復活プロジェクト」
クラウドファンデング
Akita Castle “Restoring the View” Project
Crowdfunding
On July
8, 2026, Akita City History Museum of Akita Fort Ruins launched a crowdfunding
campaign for the Akita Castle Site Landscape Restoration Project, centered on
the motto "Reviving the Ancient View!"
Built
in 733 on the Takashimizu Hills—at an elevation of approximately 50
meters—Akita Castle served as a boundary between Japan and foreign lands. It
was a facility of immense importance, demonstrating Japan's advanced
technological prowess and prestige to the outside world, and acting as a
landmark that offered commanding views of both the land and the sea.
However,
the site is currently overgrown with invasive tree species, completely
obscuring the vistas that the people of ancient times held in such high regard.
This
project aims to clear the overgrown vegetation and restore the very views that
were considered most vital by the people who inhabited this area over a
millennium ago.
2030
天長地震後1200年
秋田城―眺望復活記念祭―
1200 years after the Tencho Earthquake
Akita Castle:
Commemorative Festival
for the Restoration of the View
On
August 23, 2026, the following announcement was posted on the website of Akita
City History Museum of Akita Fort Ruins: "We have reached our fundraising
goal, so applications for the 2026 fiscal year are now closed. Thank you very
much for your generous support!"
The
project for the 2026 fiscal year aims to restore the view of Mount Chokai from
the Government Office—the most important facility within the Akita Castle
complex. On clear days, Mount Chokai, located on the border between Akita and
Yamagata prefectures, is visible from this Government Office; it is the only
spot within the castle grounds offering such a view.
It is
surmised that there was a specific intent behind positioning the Government
Office—where vital administrative duties and ceremonies were conducted—in a
location that directly faces Mount Chokai, a peak revered as sacred since
ancient times.
However,
overgrown trees currently completely block this view; therefore, the trees will
be cleared to restore the vista of the majestic Mount Chokai.
Their
ultimate goal is to restore all the vistas from locations that the people of
ancient times would have valued. However, the Akita Castle ruins cover a vast
area of approximately 90 hectares—equivalent
to 1.7 times the size of Tokyo Disneyland—and
include significant tracts of privately owned land within the designated
historic site; consequently, completing this entire undertaking in a short
period is impossible.
Given
these circumstances, we earnestly hope that the year 2030—marking the 1,200th
anniversary of the Tencho Earthquake—will see the restoration of the views from
Akita Castle, and we eagerly look forward to the realization of this historic
achievement.
In
closing, we would like to present a photograph of the view to the northwest
from Akita Castle.
.jpg)
秋田国際俳句ネットワーク
蛭田秀法
Hidenori
Hiruta
Akita
International Haiku Network
参考資料
・『海から上がったおむすび地蔵さん』
世界物語遺産
絵・文 秋田市立勝平小学校図書委員会
題字 さいとうみつこ
えいご
英語翻訳 平川恵美子
・秋田城とは？
・秋田城・眺望復活プロジェクト
秋田市観光文化スポーツ部
秋田城跡歴史資料館
・石龍山 勝平寺 ―千年時空―より
・雄物川放水路について 国土交通省
・新屋浜古墳について 新屋町郷土史
・写真＆俳句
秋田国際俳句ネットワーク 蛭田秀法
