Yokoso! Japan

Emperor Meiji (1852-1912)

Emperor Meiji 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 iolation 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)

Empress Shoken not only supported the Emperor behind the scenes but also devoted herself to promoting national welfare and omen’s education. She was also concerned about world affairs, and she donated a fund, named after her, to hte International Red Cross, which has bee 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

Although we live

In a world which is fraught

With turbid confusion,

Our hearts should remain filled

With an open calmness.

Meaning : In living our lives in the world we may face troubles and anxiety, yet we must not let these things affect our hearts. Our hearts should always be calm and open

 

Waka Poetry by Empress Shoken

Traveling from afar

Foreign people visit us,

And day after day

Our reign is becoming

One of growing friendships.

Meaning : Even people from foreign countries are now visiting us, and day after day our reign is becoming an era of growing friendships.

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine. 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 (their tombs are in Kyoto).

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.

 

Fact about Meiji Jingu:

• Enshrined deities: souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken
• Foundation: November 1, 1920
• Forest: 170,000 trees of 245 species (as of 2008)