With ““Okayama, the Town Where the Momotaro Legend Was Born: The Story of Demon-Slaying, Invited by the Heritage of Ancient Kibi” being registered as Japan Heritage, Ura has become known throughout Japan. At the same time, the theory that Momotaro was an “invader” is sometimes whispered.
The Japan Heritage story “The Momotaro Legend” comprises as many as 27 cultural properties. They include Kinojo Castle, the TatetsukiSite, the Kibitsu Shrine Okamaden, and a variety of other things, including the Kibitsugu Kanjincho, which recounts the legend of Ura’s defeat, and even peach pits.
As part of the December 2023 lecture series of Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku, a lecture titled “Kinojo Castle and the Momotaro Legend” was held by Gokurakuji Temple head priest Takeda Yasuaki. Its subtitle was “The history of Kibi and the feelings of its people embodied in the ‘Legend of Kibitsuhiko’s Defeat of Ura.’”
The festival Uraja, centered on dance, is a summer tradition representing Okayama, where the energy of young people bursts forth. Perhaps it is filled with the history of Kibi and the feelings of its people. Here is an account that made us feel that way.
The information presented was current when this article was published in January 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku?
Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku was established by people involved in the area around Kurashiki’s Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, with the aim of creating a group that studies local history and culture.
Lectures are held on the second Thursday of every month from 2 p.m. The general public can also attend free of charge without registering in advance.
Sometimes it is not held on the second Thursday.
From 2005 to 2020, a total of 170 lectures were held. They were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed in September 2023. This is the fourth lecture since the resumption.
| Number | Date | Title | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 171 | September 14, 2023 | 100 Years Together with the Community | Specially Appointed Director, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Hideo Tomita |
| 172 | October 12, 2023 | Old Land Grants and the Inoue Family of Kurashiki Village as Seen in Historical Documents | Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku Advisor, Taro Yamamoto |
| 173 | November 16, 2023 | The Life and Achievements of Kaheita Okazaki | Curator, Kaheita Okazaki Memorial Museum, Ayako Hatsuoka |
| 174 | December 14, 2023 | Kinojo Castle and the Momotaro Legend | Gokurakuji Temple Head Priest, Yasuaki Takeda |
| 175 | January 11, 2024 | The ABCs of Shrines | Chief Priest, Tsurusaki Shrine, Koji Ota |
| 176 | February 8, 2024 | Captain Motoharu Kajiwara: Lessons from the Great Voyage to Transport the Russian Children's Group | Asakuchi City Cultural Properties Protection Committee Member, Eiko Kanemitsu |
| 177 | March 14, 2024 | The Tatetsuki Site and Its Era: Why Is the Tatetsuki Site Important? | Specially Appointed Professor, Okayama Shoka University, Akira Fukumoto |
Lecture Venue and Participants
The lectures are held each time at Kurashiki Community Center in the Bikan Historical Area.
Kurashiki Community Center was designed by Urabe Shizutaro. It was built in 1969. Its exterior walls, with white plaster walls, small windows, Kurashiki latticework, and tiled cladding, reflect the traditional townscape.
At the top of the stairs directly in front of the Kurashiki Community Center entrance was a large hall with 387 fixed seats. Nearly 100 attendees were already waiting for the lecture to begin.
Lecturer Takeda Yasuaki
The lecturer, Takeda Yasuaki, is the head priest of Gokurakuji Temple, a Shingon Buddhist temple in Yakage Town. He is also an archaeology specialist.
He worked for many years in Okayama City and Soja City, and was involved in numerous archaeological excavations. Through academic research, he has sought to uncover historical facts.
In recent years, when the need to make cultural properties accessible has been loudly advocated, he has also been in charge of tourism projects.
Lecture Content
Here is a brief introduction to some of the lecture by Mr. Takeda, who was also involved in registering the “Momotaro Legend” as Japan Heritage.
About Momotaro
“Momotaro came to Kibi because he wanted iron.”
The lecture began with this startling opening line.
He continued, “A ironworks was discovered at the Senbiki Kanakuro Site in Okusaka, Soja City. It turned out to be the oldest in Japan.
Old books record that Prince Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto of the Yamato court attacked Kibi.
In short, the Yamato court, which wanted Kibi’s iron, was the real Momotaro.”
Mr. Takeda explained the connection between historical fact and legend. Stories like this seem to have become the basis for the theory that Momotaro was an “invader.”
“The people of Kibi must have continued to feel deep down that Yamato had taken their iron.
And this feeling eventually led to the birth of the Momotaro legend.”
About Kinojo Castle
“Stone-wall construction technology developed in ancient times, but was then forgotten until the end of the Warring States period.
Looking up at the tall stone walls built in ancient times, people in the medieval period must have felt awe at their strange appearance.
People who thought that things they could not understand were the work of demons called that mountain ‘the demon’s stronghold.’”
He continued with explanations that skillfully drew on the results of academic research and the Japanese psyche.
About the Ura Legend
“Seno Kaneyasu was beheaded by Kiso Yoshinaka during the Genpei War. Seno’s head was excavated, confirming the accuracy of documentary history.”
The excavation site is about 300 meters northwest of the Kibitsu Shrine Okamaden.
“Seno built the Tataireki Weir and accomplished the superhuman feat of bringing water to the Junikago Irrigation Canal. The feelings of the people who admired Seno led to the legend of Ura’s singing cauldron.”
He explained these stories by weaving in the historical background, including the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism and the popularity of creating “origin stories.”
How to Enjoy History
Mr. Takeda emphasized that “everyone enjoys history in their own way,” but that “it is important to accurately pass on the facts to future generations.”
He also said, “Enjoyable, romantic stories and historical facts must be distinguished from one another.”
Archaeological Topics Close to Home
Restoration work has been completed at the Senzokukofun in Kita Ward, Okayama City. Restoration work has now begun at the adjacent Tsukuriyamakofun.
At the site of Bitchu Kokubun-niji Temple in Kanbayashi, Soja City, the “Project to Promote the Appeal of Kibiji’s Historical Heritage” is underway.
At the Tatetsuki Site in Yabe, Kurashiki City, a plan has been announced to remove the cooling tower standing in one corner of the site in order to restore the landscape.
At the MaidoSite in Yakage Town, where Mr. Takeda is currently working, discoveries that could overturn history are reportedly continuing.
Mr. Takeda says, “History is a fusion of archaeology and documentary history.”
We should seek to enjoy in balance both the heart that delights in romantic legends and the joy of learning accurate history.
From the Writer
At this modern community center that stands out against the traditional townscape, “Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku” is held once a month.
There are 27 cultural properties that make up the Japan Heritage story “The Legend of Momotaro.” The ones featured in this talk are only a few of them.
Even so, it made me feel that the tales passed down through generations are filled with much of Kibi’s history and the feelings of its people.
The topic of the next “Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku” session is “The ABCs of Shrines.” You may hear something that opens your eyes.
It will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, and is free, with no advance registration required. Why not stop by?
Articles about Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku
Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku Session 174: “Kinojo Castle and the Momotaro Legend” Information
| Name | Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku Session 174: “Kinojo Castle and the Momotaro Legend” |
|---|---|
| Date and time | December 14, 2023, 2:00–3:30 p.m. |
| Location | Kurashiki Community Center |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a search term to find articles on this site
