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Tag: Tokugawa Iemitsu

CategoriesExperience

Do You Know Why Pine Trees Are Depicted on Noh Stages?

By ninjakotan

The Connection Between Bonsai and Noh Theater   The Symbolism of Pine Trees on Noh Stages Pine trees are always prominently depicted on Noh stages. When you enter a Noh theater, the first thing that catches your eye is the large pine tree painted at the back of the stage. Have you ever wondered what this pine tree means? In fact, the pine tree has a deep historical and cultural significance. Whether it’s Noh or Kyogen, a graceful or tragic play, the audience always watches the performers against the backdrop of the pine tree. The board with the painted pine tree is called the “Kagami-ita” (mirror board), and it is one of the stage props. At the Yarai Noh Theater in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, a magnificent pine tree is also depicted on the Kagami-ita. Performing for the Gods: The Role of the Kagami-ita with the Pine Tree The name “Kagami-ita” is generally explained in connection with the “Yogo Pine” of Kasuga Taisha in Nara. “Yogo” refers to the descent of deities to the earthly realm. The pine tree, which is considered the incarnation of Kasuga Myojin, exists beside the audience, and the Kagami-ita mirrors this, implying that the actors on stageread moreDo You Know Why Pine Trees Are Depicted on Noh Stages?

CategoriesExperience

The Mysterious Connection Between Kagurazaka and Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site

By ninjakotan

The Mysterious Connection Between Kagurazaka and Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site I have written several times in my blog that Kagurazaka was built by the 3rd Shogun of the Edo Shogunate, Tokugawa Iemitsu, as a path (Onari-dori) from Ushigome Gate of Edo Castle to the residence of Senior Minister (Tairō) Tadakatsu Sakai. Today, I would like to write about the connection between Kagurazaka and Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site. Kagurazaka and Himeji Connected by the Sakai Family The Senior Minister (Tairō) was a top position temporarily placed above the Senior Councillor (Rōjū) to assist the Shogun. In other words, it was the No. 2 position in the Edo Shogunate. Only four families were eligible for the position of Senior Minister, who were close retainers of the first Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu: the Ii, Sakai (main branch of the Uemon-no-kami family), Doi, and Hotta families. However, the Sakai family was further divided into the main branch of the Himeji Domain (now Hyogo Prefecture) and the separate branch of the Obama Domain (now Fukui Prefecture), both of which had Senior Ministers, making it effectively five families. The first lord of the Obama Domain was Tadakatsu Sakai, the fourth lord to hold theread moreThe Mysterious Connection Between Kagurazaka and Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site

CategoriesExperience

Shinjuku’s Kagurazaka: Deep Connections with the Third Shogun of the Edo Shogunate

By ninjakotan

Shinjuku’s Kagurazaka: Deep Connections with Tokugawa Iemitsu, the Third Shogun of the Edo Shogunate   Tokugawa Iemitsu, the Third Shogun who Consolidated the Foundations of the Edo Shogunate Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Shogun of the Edo Shogunate (in office from 1623 to 1651), had a deep connection with Kagurazaka. Iemitsu solidified the hierarchical feudal system of the Shogunate and mandated the Sankin-Kotai system, which required feudal lords to reside in Edo periodically. He was also instrumental in establishing the isolationist policies that defined the Edo period.   Kagurazaka Street in Shinjuku, Constructed by Shogun Iemitsu The most notable connection with Kagurazaka is the construction of Kagurazaka Street itself by Iemitsu. Designed as the ‘Onarimichi,’ or Shogun’s route, it connected the Ushigome gate of Edo Castle to the residence of the senior councilor Sakai Tadakatsu.   Shogun Iemitsu Named Denchuji Temple Denchuji Temple, located between Kagurazaka and Edogawabashi stations, is a historic Zen temple named by Iemitsu. In 1650, while on a falconry outing, Iemitsu visited the temple and, noting its location amidst the fields, named it Denchuji. This temple has deep ties with Eiheiji Temple in Fukui Prefecture, a prominent Zen temple of the Soto sect. Saishoji Temple Founded byread moreShinjuku’s Kagurazaka: Deep Connections with the Third Shogun of the Edo Shogunate

CategoriesExperience

Deep Connections between Kagurazaka and Fukui Prefecture: Experience History with Kagurazaka Street Walk Tours

By ninjakotan

Deep Connections between Kagurazaka and Fukui Prefecture: Experience History with Kagurazaka Street Walk Tours   The Hokuriku Shinkansen Was Extended to Fukui Prefecture On March 16, 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended to Tsuruga Station. This expansion has improved access between the metropolitan area and Fukui Prefecture, sparking excitement across the prefecture as it anticipates an increase in tourists. The connection between Obama City in Fukui and Kagurazaka is profound, and to this day, the Kagurazaka shopping district supports the annual “Echizen-Wakasa Festival,” held within the precincts of Akagi Shrine and Bishamonten. Famous nationwide, Echizen crab, along with other local specialties from Obama City, like grilled mackerel sushi, mackerel sushi, and young snapper pickled in bamboo leaves, are very popular when sold in Kagurazaka. The bond between Obama City and Kagurazaka began in 1628 when Sakai Tadakatsu, the lord of Obama, was granted an estate in what is now Yarai-cho by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun. During Iemitsu’s reign, Tadakatsu served as a senior councilor and regent, and the shogun visited this estate about 150 times. The road connecting this Wakasa Obama domain residence and Edo Castle’s Ushigome gate runs through Kagurazaka. Let’s Join Kagurazaka Walking Tours and “Echizen-Wakasa Festival”read moreDeep Connections between Kagurazaka and Fukui Prefecture: Experience History with Kagurazaka Street Walk Tours

CategoriesExperience

How to Experience Real Edo: Kagurazaka to Kawagoe with the Legacy of Tadakatsu Sakai

By ninjakotan

How to Experience Real Edo: Kagurazaka to Kawagoe with the Legacy of Tadakatsu Sakai     Did You Know Kagurazaka Was Built for Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu? In a previous blog, we discussed how Kagurazaka was constructed in 1636 as a wide street (12 meters across) known as “Onaridori” (Processional Way) for Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Shogun. This street was specifically designed for the Shogun’s travels. Kagurazaka’s construction as Onaridori was largely due to the expansive estate of Tadakatsu Sakai, the Tairo (Senior Councilor) and lord of Wakasa Obama Domain, located in the Ushigome area. The street from Sakai’s estate to the Ushigome gate of Edo Castle forms what is now Kagurazaka.  Tadakatsu Sakai: The Link Between Kagurazaka and Kawagoe Before becoming the lord of the Wakasa Obama Domain, Tadakatsu Sakai was the second lord of the Kawagoe Domain. Kawagoe is affectionately known as “Koedo (Little Edo)” due to its preserved Edo-era ambiance. Kawagoe Castle played a pivotal role as a northern defense point for Edo, with successive generations of shogunate senior vassals as lords. Did You Know That Edo Castle and Kawagoe Castle Were Built in the Same Year by the Same Father-Son Duo? It is said that Kawagoe Castleread moreHow to Experience Real Edo: Kagurazaka to Kawagoe with the Legacy of Tadakatsu Sakai