Haibun (15)

 

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

 

 

出羽国における位置

秋田城

Location within Dewa Province

Akita Castle

 

 

現代における模型

Scale Models in the Modern Era

 

 

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.

 

 

世界物語遺産

「海から上がったおむすび地蔵さん」

えいご

 

 

 

 

 

  

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.　

 

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

石山の東―太平山―

East of Ishiyama — Mount Taihei —

 

 

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 —

 

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 —

 

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—

 

 

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.

 

 

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

 

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

 

1964

勝平寺

Shohei-ji Temple

 

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

 

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.

 

 

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”

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

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