Explanation of Meiji Shrine

I thought I would like to add a little explanation about shrines. There are so many here - every neighborhood has some. This Meiji Jingu (shrine) is one of the largest and people from all over the world visit it. When Japan was deciding what to do about surrendering at the end of World War II, the leaders and generals met at this shrine. Here is some information from the brochure.

Shinto is called Japan's ancient original religion, and it is deeply rooted in the way of Japanese life. Shinto has no founder, no holy book, and not even the concept of religious conversion, but Shinto values, for example, harmony with nature and virtues such as "Magokoro (sincere heart)". In Shinto, some divinity is found as Kami (divine spirit) or it may be said that there is an unlimited number of Kami. You can see Kami in mythology. In nature, and in human beings. From ancient times, Japanese people have felt awe and gratitude towards such Kami and dedicated shrines to many of them.

This shrine is dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912 and Empress Shoken in 1914. After their demise, people wished to commemorate their virtues and to venerate them forever. So they donated 100,000 trees from all over Japan and from overseas, and they worked voluntarily to create this forest. Thus, thanks to the sincere heart of the people, this shrine was established on November 1, 1920.

The gardens (gyoen) is the only part that had existed long before the establishment of the shrine. In fact the emperor designed the iris garden, small paths, and fishing spot specifically for his wife in order to give her fresh energy. At the beginning of June the irises start to blossom, they are in full bloom from mid-June to the end of June. There are about 1500 iris plants of 150 different kinds of irises. Their blossoms are counted every day by the staff. The splendour of the iris flowers in full bloom has become well know both in Japan and abroad.

Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) is the 122nd emperor of Japan, the great-grandfather of the current Emperor. He ascended to the throne in 1867. When Japan was facing unprecedented conditions such as the opening of the country to the world after its long isolation and the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Emperor Meiji took the initiative to promote friendship with other countries, and to introduce Western civilization and developed technology from overseas while preserving Japanese identity, and thus laid the foundations of modern Japan. Empress Shoken (1850-1914) not only supported the Emperor behind the scenes but also devoted herself to promoting national welfare and women's education. She was also concerned about world affairs, and she donated a fund, named after her, to the International Red Cross, which has been used for international welfare activities until today.

The sincere heart of the Emperor and Empress towards the people can be seen directly in the waka poetry they composed throughout their lives.

Waka poetry by Emperor Meiji -
Ah, to have a friend
To help and then be helped by
In deep affection
Is in standing in the world
A necessary strength!

And one by the Empress -
The lofty mountains
Are carried in reflection
By flowing waters;
This seeking of humble levels
Should be the aim of human hearts.

Waka poetry is traditional Japanese poems of 31 syllables. The Emperor composed about 100,000 and the Empress about 30,000. (You have heard of Haiku poetry. It is also Japanese.)

Well, there is your Japanese lesson for the day!