Aomori Prefectural Gokoku Shrine
[Music] Almori prefectual Goku shrine located in Hiasaki, a place where history and nature come to life is a tranquil space for prayer. Almori prefectural Goku shrine is located within Hiasaki Park where Hiasaki Castle is located and you can see the Tory gate as you enter through the north gate. Founded in 1870 at the behest of Sugaru domain Lord Sugaru Sububakira to commemorate the war dead at the battle of the Kodate. It was moved to its current location as Hiasaki Shikona in March 1910 and became Almori prefectural Shakona in August 1936. In April 1939, it became a Goku shrine designated by the Minister of Home Affairs in accordance with the principle of one shrine per prefecture. [Music] The first thing that greets us is the imposing first Tory gate with its copper roof. This is where the sacred grounds begin. Passing through the Tory gate, we proceed along the approach surrounded by fresh air. Cherry trees are planted on both sides of the approach to the shrine. If you go to the right, you will find the shrine office. This is a memorial monument commemorating Emperor Taiisho’s visit as the Inspector General of the Special Army maneuvers held in 1915. [Music] As you walk along the approach, you will come across the main worship hall, the center of worship. The worship hall is covered in copper sheets and the pillars supporting it are carefully beveled square pillars. It is a prestigious example of shrine architecture. [Music] Behind the worship hall is the main hall where the enshrined deity is enshrined. Normally the main hall is surrounded by a fence and cannot be seen directly but you can still feel its dignified presence. Since the Maji restoration, the spirits of heroes from Almori prefecture who have served their country have been enshrined here as gods. Next to the worship hall is the Kagura Hall where religious ceremonies and festivals are held. [Music] This shrine enshrines as gods the spirits of 29,171 people from Almori prefecture who died protecting Japan’s peace, beautiful mountains and rivers and the beloved families in many battles since the end of the Edeto period and the Maji restoration including the SinoJapanese War, the Russo-Japanese war and the Greater East Asia War. We must never forget that it is thanks to the heroic spirits who sacrificed the precious lives at times of national crisis that we are able to live in peace and prosperity today. Come visit Almori Perfectual Goku Shrine and express your gratitude to the heroic spirits. The plaque commemorating the enshrined deity Almori Prefecture’s version of the cornerstone of peace was erected to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the founding of this shrine. It is a symbol of our sincere gratitude and respect for the heroic spirits who sacrificed the precious lives to protect the beloved country, their home prefecture of Almori and their families in times of national crisis and to honor and pass on that spirit. It also serves to widely communicate both within and outside Almori prefecture the spirit of wishing for peace but the heroic spirits that was cultivated amid the history and climate of Almori prefecture and to pray for lasting peace in the world. Behind the worship hall next to the main hall stands the Nishi de Kos fan monument. This monument is much taller than an adult and the inscription is carved only on the front. It commemorates Nishi de Kos, a samurai of the Hiasaki domain who is also known as the benefactor of Hiasaki Castle for his outstanding decisiveness in protecting the Hiasaki domain during the turbulent times from the end of the Edeto period to the major era. A stone monument stands quietly in one corner of the temple grounds. This is the memorial for the battleship Sugaru. The battleship Sugaru was a mine layer that once protected Japan’s seas and sank to the bottom of the ocean along with many of its crew members during the Pacific War. This stone monument was erected to console the souls of those who gave their precious lives for their country and to pass on their achievements to future generations. [Music] He studied at the army school and fought in the satsuma and sinojapanese wars. He was promoted from commander to general during the Russo Japanese war. After retiring as the inspector general of education for the three army chiefs, he served as the president of Gakushun University and the chief priest of Magi Shrine. [Music] This monument is dedicated to the poem of Kenotuno, a doctor and poet from Iichi prefecture who was active from the Taiisho to early show eras. There are various stone monuments and memorials scattered throughout the grounds. These are important objects that convey the history of the shrine, the achievements of the enshrined heroes, and the memories of the land of Hiasaki. By learning the stories contained within each one, you can better understand the deeper meaning of this shrine. Take a moment to pause and listen to the stone monuments that bear witness to history. [Music] Located within the vast Hiasaki Park, the rich nature and historical buildings are in perfect harmony. Stop by during your stroll and enjoy the beautiful scenery woven together by history and nature to your heart’s content. Almori prefectural Goku Shrine is a place that teaches visitors about Japanese history. Visit Almori Perfectual Goku Shrine and express your gratitude to the war dead. [Music] Thank you for watching. This channel introduces historic shrines, temples, and ancient ruins in Almori Prefecture by taking a leisurely walk. 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Aomori Prefectural Gokoku Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the spirits of those from Aomori Prefecture who gave their lives for their country.
Located within Hirosaki Park, it enshrines the spirits of those who died in wars from the Boshin War to the Pacific War. It is a quiet and solemn place where not only bereaved families but many others visit to pay their respects and pray for peace.
AloJapan.com