I was born and raised in Kurashiki.
To me, shrines are places where enjoyable seasonal events such as festivals, kagura performances, and New Year’s visits are held. They are also solemn places where I can feel history and sacredness, and shrines have been rooted in my life since childhood.
However, perhaps because they have always been so close to me, I know very little about how shrines came to be.
So, at the 175th Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku, held on January 11, 2024, I learned about the changing eras of shrines, with a focus on their history, as well as statistics about shrines, from Koji Ota, chief priest of Tsurusaki Shrine, under the title “The ABCs of Shrines.”
The information presented here was accurate when this article was published in February 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku”?
“Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku” was established with the aim of creating a group to study local history and culture, with the participation of people connected to the area around Kurashiki’s Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, led by Kanryuji Temple’s chief priest, Murata Ryuzen.
It was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed in September 2023, and lectures have been held at 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.
No advance registration is required, and participation is free.
Sometimes it is not held on the second Thursday, so please check the official website in advance.
I attended the 175th Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku
Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku is held at the Kurashiki Community Center in the Bikan Historical Area.
Built in 1969, the building is designed to blend in with the scenery of the Bikan Historical Area and is very beautiful. Tourists also stop to take photos.
The venue is the large hall on the second floor. I signed in at reception and waited for the event to begin.
The lecturer was Koji Ota, chief priest of Tsurusaki Shrine
The lecturer, Koji Ota, is the chief priest of Tsurusaki Shrine.
Tsurusaki Shrine is in Hayashima Town, Tsukubo District. It is a historic shrine founded in 1350, during the Nanboku-cho period.
The lecture covered the following topics:
- Shrines in Kurashiki and Tsukubo
- The origins of ritual sites and shrine buildings
- The history of shrines
- Shrines and priests today
We do not often have the opportunity to think deeply about the institution of “shrines,” but the lecturer gave a detailed explanation of their history and status up to the present day.
I’d like to share one point from the lecture that particularly stood out to me.
The organization of shrines
Do you know how shrines are organized?
I only knew that they had ujiko (parishioners) and sodai (representatives), but I learned for the first time that these are part of a much larger organization, with the Association of Shinto Shrines at the top.
- When it comes to religious rites, shrines across the country are connected under the Association of Shinto Shrines, which also coordinates with government agencies.
- Voices from small local shrines are conveyed upward, and the Association of Shinto Shrines works with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to compile statistics and use them to promote activities.
I thought, “Perhaps parishioners’ concerns are heard because shrines are supported by two pillars: the gods and the Association of Shinto Shrines.”
From the Writer
After attending this lecture, I felt closer to shrines.
From now on, I think I’ll be able to enjoy exploring shrines and temples from a slightly different perspective. I’d like to take time to explore at a leisurely pace, paying attention to local history.
Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku is held at Kurashiki Community Center at 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.
I believe it is an opportunity for anyone to hear a valuable talk. I encourage you to attend.
Articles about Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku
Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku Session 175: Data for “The ABCs of Shrines”
| Name | Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku Session 175: “The ABCs of Shrines” |
|---|---|
| Date and time | January 11, 2024, 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. |
| Location | Kurashiki Community Center |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku |
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