(12) Goddess of Mercy and Success (Shusse-Kannon) A successful man donated this statue to express his appreciation to the goddess of Mercy.

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1 [Matsushima Bay] Zuiganji(Matsushima-Seiryuzan-Zuigan-Empukuji) Zuiganji is the most famous Zen temple which belongs to the Rinzai sect of Buddhism in the Tohoku region. This temple is very old. It was originally built in 828 by Jikaku Daishi. The building we see today,however,was rebuilt in 1609 by Date Masamune, the feudal lord of Sendai. It took hundreds of workers 4 years to complete the buildings. This architectural style is named Shoinzukuri, and is typical of the Momoyama-period( ). The main temple has been designated as a National Treasure. Although Zuiganji served primarily as a Temple, Date Masamune constructed the building with features similar to those of a castle, such as Uguisubari(Nightingale flooring), Kemuridashi(a watch-tower) and Kakushido(secret door for emergencies and where bodyguards were standing by in case of enemy attack). His intent was to use Zuiganji as a secondary stronghold, should the primary stronghold, Sendai Castle, fall. (1) Wooden Gate (San Mon) This is the entrance to Zuiganji temple. The sign affixed to the gate reads Sokai Zenrin, which translates as the Zen temple by the sea. The letters were written in 1740 by Tenrei Shoku, the chief priest of this temple and a well-known calligrapher. This main entrance gate has been designated as Cultural Asset by Miyagi Prefecture. (2) Guardian Deity of Children (Kosodate-jizo) This statue, Jizobosatsu, is the patron saint of children. In general, Jizo helps to keep the dead safe in Hell, but in Japan, it is said that Jizo protects and safeguards children, pregnant women and travelers. It is also said that the Jizo keeps children healthy, intelligent and polite. It was during the Heian period ( ) that Jizo first became popular among the general public. The 24 th of every month is Jizoko, the memorial day of Jizo. (3) Eel Monument (Unagi Zuka) Matsushima Bay is well renowned for its abundance of delicious eels. In Japan, eels are consumed in great abundance during the hottest days of summer. 1

2 In Buddhism, all living things, including eels, are thought to have souls, so this monument was erected to console the sprits of dead eels. The structure was donated in 1923 by the local Chef Union, the local Fishermen s Union, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (4) Sendai Second High School Monument (Niko-Kinen-Hi) Before the Second World War, some students from Sendai Second High School (presently Tohoku University), were caught in a storm while rowing near Kinkasan Island. Their boat capsized, and all on board perished. This monument was erected by teachers and classmate in their memory. (5) Cave (Dokutsu) Long ago, this area was little more than underwater caves. However, as centuries passed, the physical geography evolved to its present state. Ever since Enpukuji (the first name given to the temple located here) was built by Ennin in 828, many priests and monks have gathered from all over the country to practice asceticism here. In the caves one can see Buddhist ruins of the Heian period ( ). The carvings on the surface of the cliffs denote tombstones. During World War Ⅱ, these caves served as air raid shelters. (6) 33 Buddhist Statues (Saigoku 33 Kannon) These miniature stone statues are reproductions of the important Buddhist statues enshrined at famous temples in Nara and Kyoto regions of southern Japan. They were sculptured by a famous sculptor Bunji Tsukida of Sendai. The work was commissioned and sponsored by worshipers of Kannon Bosatsu. It is believed that Kannon saves all beings by manifesting herself in 33 various forms. People make pilgrimages to the thirty-three temples where these statues are enshrined in order to attain their wishes. The number 33 is thought to be lucky. (7) National Railroad Monument (Tetsudo-Kinen-Hi) This monument is dedicated to those who died during the construction of the defunct national railroad, and also commemorates the National Railroad s centennial in The inscription on the monument translates to May souls be peaceful. 2

3 (8) Cedar Trees (Sugi-no-ki) The cedar trees at the entrance to the temple are about 400 years old. The cedars to the right of the path were planted by the Meiji Emperor in (9) Guardian Deity of Longevity (Enmei-Jizo) This life-size statue of the Patron Saint is made out of brass. The statue was initiated and completed in Prayers are offered to this deity for long life. The statue shows him holding a ball and carrying a stick. (10) Lantern (Seiryuzan-Toro) This bronze lantern next to Enmei Jizo was dedicated to Narimura the 24 th Lord of the Date Clan by his wife upon his demise in the 18 th century. The base of the lantern contains some Buddhist relics. (11) Hosshinkutsu This cave with the latticed door is called Hosshinkutsu, named after the famous priest, Hosshin, who practiced Zen in this cave. In the middle of the 13 th century, the present Zuiganji Temple belonged to the declining Tendai Sect of Buddhism. An aspiring Kamakura Shognate, Hojo Tokiyori, visited this temple while undergoing training as a priest. His visit took him to the cave where Hosshin practiced. In the meeting that followed, they talked about Buddhism, and shared a meal together. Hojo Tokiyori was deeply impressed by Hosshin s greatness. Upon his return to Kamakura, Tokiyori ordered that the existing temple would be replaced by an new Zen temple. Subsequently, Zuiganji changed its following from the Tendai sect to the Rinzai Zen sect. Tokiyori did not forget the cave, or his gratitude and respect for Hosshin. He subsequently appointed Hosshin as the chief priest of the new Rinzai Zen Temple. (12) Goddess of Mercy and Success (Shusse-Kannon) A successful man donated this statue to express his appreciation to the goddess of Mercy. (13) Gate to the Main Building (Mon) The wall that one sees while standing in front of the main building of Zuiganji is called Taiko-bei, 3

4 a hollow wall (formed like a drum but the inside of which is filled with small stones). It is constructed with three gates. Which gate to go though was predetermined by the status of the person in Edo period. Onarimon is the entrance for Emperors. Chumon was used by the feudal lords and the remaining gate Toryu-Mon for the priests. All three gates and the wall are designated as Important Cultural Properties. (14) Plum Trees (Garyubai) Facing the Main Hall, the trees on the right have red blossoms while the trees on the left have white blossoms. Their very beautiful bipetalous blossoms bloom during late April or early May. They are both referred to as Garyubai, (crawling dragon plum), as the trunks seems to crawl, growing and remaining close to the ground rather than growing skywards. They were brought back to Matsushima by Date Masamune upon the completion of the Korean campaign in Masamune planted them to celebrate the completion of the new Zuiganji temple building in (15) Lantern (Kasuga Toro) This lantern, called Kasuga Toro, was made of imported iron. It was a prototype of many lanterns which Date Masamune intended to dedicate to Nikko Toshogu, the shrine of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in Nikko. - Main Hall - (16) Peacock Room and The Room of Buddha (Butsuma) This is the center room of the temple. It is used as a hall for conducting Buddhist services. Date Masamune enshrined the temple s principal image of Buddha here. He chose a copper image of Sho-Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, as the representative. In addition, memorial tablets of the successive feudal lords are enshrined in this room. However, most of these tablets are not visible as they are housed within the Sho-Kannon s pedestal. The other three wooden statues are of three famous Buddhist priests: Hosshin, Dosui and Ungo. The pine trees and peacocks on the sliding doors were painted by Sakuma Sakyo. The paintings on the sliding doors are replicas. His authentic paintings are preserved in the temple museum. 4

5 (17) Chinese Doors and Transoms (Karado and Ranma) The carvings on the Chinese doors and the transom depict an array of flora and fauna. Upon closer examination, we can see a pheasant, a crane in a nest, tree peonies, owls, a paulownia, a phoenix, a dragon, a tiger, a peacock, a maple tree, a deer, chrysanthemums and a golden cock. The mural was carved by Osakabe Saemon. These Chinese doors are the only one of their kind in Japan. Their unique feature is that all the folds are rounded, so that we can see no sharp edge present when the doors are opened. (18) Room of King Bun (Bun O-no-Ma) King Bun was the Emperor of China during the Chou period (the 10 th century B.C.). This room was dedicated to King Bun by Date Masmune out of great respect for the Chinese Emperor. It is said that Date Masamune also admired the Emperor s methods in public administration, and sought the Emperor as his model. A hunting scene is painted on the sliding doors. The Date family used this room as a waiting room. (19) Hojoki This lavishly framed inscription was written in 1610 by Kosai Soitsu, a priest and mentor of Date Masamune. It is an account of the origins of the temple written in 350 words. (20) Hallway This hallway was constructed especially for the emperor on His Majesty s visit to Zuiganji. The Z-shaped structure is Chinese in design, and it was constructed with the intention of preventing him from being seen directly by anyone. Sculptured into the transom is a squirrel on a grape vine. The work was done by Hidari Jingoro who was a very famous sculptor of the Edo period. Shimazaki Toson, a famed author in Meiji period, composed a poem about this squirrel, and this poem is included in the collection of his works, Wakanashu. (21) High Room (Jodan-no-Ma) The elevated floor in this room is typical of the Shoinzukuri architectural style of the Momoyama period. This room was used by the feudal lords. On the walls are paintings depicting the four seasons, 5

6 and various flora. They were painted by Hasegawa Toin. It is said that one of the walls was connected with secret doorways leading into passage and tunnels for emergency. However, since Zuiganji was never attacked, the secret doorways were never used. (22) Highest Room (Jo-Jodan-no-Ma) Connected to the High Room is another elevated room called the Highest Room. This room was used by Meiji Emperor when he called at the temple. The tatami mats that cover the floor are thicker than conventional ones, as the thickness served to prevent sword attacks from below. The latticed coffered ceiling in this room is most exquisite. (23) Rakan Room (Rakan-no-Ma) When Date Masamune passed away, his twenty samurais committed ritual suicide, and when Masamune s son, Tadamune passed on, his sixteen samurais also committed suicide. The memorial tablets of these thirty six samurais are enshrined in this room. Subsequently, a law against self-immolation was passed, and this explains the absence of memorial tablets after Tadamune s demise. The sliding doors were painted by Sakuma Tokuro in the Meiji period. They show the portraits of sixteen priests who attained nirvana, or enlightenment. (24) Ink Painting Room (Sumie-no-Ma) The sliding doors of this room were painted in Indian ink by Kibino Koeki, an artist of the Sesson School in the Edo period. This room was used for the chief priest as a waiting room. If you look closely at the sliding doors, you will see a dragon and a tiger. There is also a picture of a priest who is trying to reach a tree. (25) Chrysanthemum Room (Kiku-no-Ma) This room was the waiting room for the Date family physician. In ancient Japan, a chrysanthemum was thought to have great medicinal powers. A white chrysanthemum design can be seen on the sliding doors. (26) Pine Tree Room (Matsu-no-Ma) This room was used as a waiting room for priest who were about to 6

7 serve tea to members of the nobility. The gold based painting on the sliding doors depict pine and cherry trees, and a variety of birds including plovers. The artist was Kano Sadanobu, a student of Kano Sakyo. The ceiling in this room is called a sao ceiling. (27) Hawk Room (Taka-no-Ma) The hawk is the symbol of bravery in Japan, and in this room, one is pained perched on an oak tree. The doors were painted by Kurota, a student of Kano Sakyo. This room was used as a reception room for vassals. (28) Corridor of Main Hall (Kairou) The corridor of the main hall is divided into higher and lower levels. The higher one was used by high ranking priest and samurais. The floor of this corridor is thicker than usual to foil attacks from assassins hiding below the floor. On the surface of the corridor, one can see many grooves. These grooves were intended to secure the footing of the samurai who wore formal clothes (hakama) which were inconvenient for fighting when intruders attacked. In several places, the floor creaks when one walks on it. The floor was subsequently named the nightingale floor. The creaking sounds served as a warning device against intruders. (29) Tea Room (Umoregi-Shoin) This tea room was donated in 1943 by Mr.Yagi, a wealthy man from Sendai. The pillars and ceilings are constructed with petrified wood excavated from the Kitakami River. An early style chandelier is suspended from the ceiling. The Showa Emperor was one of the visitors who have graced Umoregi Shoin. This room is not open to the public. 7

Ancient China & Japan

Ancient China & Japan Outcome: 1 Constructive Response Question 4. Describe feudalism in Japan and specifically how the samurai were a part of it: 2 What will we learn? 1. Japanese geography 2. ese culture