Cultural Heritage Preservation Week
Tuesday, Nov. 1st to Monday, Nov. 7th
The seven-day period from Tuesday, Nov. 1st through Monday, Nov. 7th is
known as Cultural Heritage Preservation Week in Japan, and various projects
designed for heritage protection are held across the country.
Taking this opportunity, we would like to introduce Minato's newly designated
cultural properties for the year 2008 and some special events.
Three Newly Designated Cultural Properties in 2008
1) Tangible cultural property: sculpture
Mokuzo sogyo zazo, Wooden statue of sitting Buddha, possession of Zojo-ji Temple, 4-7-35 Shibakoen
This statue is located at the top of
the stairs of the Sangedatasu Mon
or Sanmon along with a statue of
Shakasanzon and others, and it is a
painted, wooden statue measuring
45.4 cm in height. The figure is
wearing a circular kesa over the
ceremonial robe, and the figure is
sitting in the fuza position. The robe
and kesa hang down in front of the
figure's knees in the so-called
kakemo form. The body is made
from a solid piece of Japanese
cypress, and the legs, also made
from a single piece of wood, are
attached to the body with 2 mortices. There is a bottom plate with a piece of
cloth attached. The paint has faded so much that details are not discernible.
Based on the structure, facial expression, and robes, it is believed that the
statue was produced during the Muromachi period in the 15th century.
Slightly drooping eyes, a large nose with wide nostrils, and a strong chin
capture the special characteristics of this monk's countenance. The name of
the monk is not known, and it is not known if the monk was connected with Zojo-ji Temple, but it is valuable as one of the few Muromachi statues within
the City.
2) Tangible cultural property: ancient writing
144 Sorimachi documents, possession of Keio University, 2-15-45 Mita
The Sorimachi documents are ancient documents collected by Sorimachi Juro that were donated to Keio University in 1956. The majority of these documents are from the Middle and Modern Ages.
The collection includes letters, articles of agreements, and other documents issued by Shogun Takauji Ashikaga and officials during the Muromachi era. Also letters from the Emperor and Imperial family members, real estate contracts, and travel documents of the Kamakura era are included.
These are very important historical documents.
3) Tangible cultural property: historical documents
Ushi Kuyoto, the monument to cattle, and 2,760 Hitonorei Kuyoto, the monument
to the spirits of 2,760 people
Possession of Gansyoji Temple, 2-16-22 Takanawa
Construction of the Ushi Kuyoto began
in 1738 by the seven cattle ranching families
of Kurumamachi, located in front of the gate
to Gansyoji Temple, for the purpose of
holding ceremonies for the spirit of dead
cattle. According to an inscription, there
were only four cattle-ranching families left in
1808. Kurumamachi, Cart Town, was also
called Ushimachi, Cattle Town, and it was in
this area that the Edo government invited
cattle ranchers to relocate from Kyoto's
Ushimachi to transport heavy materials for
the expansion of Edo Castle.
On the front of the monument, which was erected in 1828, there is carved the characters for "Namuamidabutsu," as copied from the writings of the high priest Yuten Shonin (1637-1718). Yuten was worshipped as a living Buddha by everyone from the Shogun to the common people, and it is thought that the carvings were intended to ask for his blessing when the monument was built.
The monument for 2,780 souls was constructed in 1830 for services to pray
for the 2,780 people without relatives who died between 1689 and March 15,
1830. Yuten Shonin's "Namuamidabutsu" is also carved on the face of this monument. On the third pedestal and on the
beam there is carved the posthumous Buddhist
name or secular name of 701 people.
These inscriptions are very important as
historical evidence of the existence of the
Ushimachi in Edo and showing the religious
faith of the people.
* An exhibition is currently on display
commemorating the 30th anniversary of
Minato City's cultural property preservation
ordinance. The exhibition is titled "Eternal
Travelers III: from the past to the future, 30
years of designated cultural properties in Minato City."
Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week
During Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week all the cultural properties of Tokyo are open to the public and many related events are held. Valuable cultural properties are opened to the public and related events are being held in Tokyo.
In Minato City, there are 15 cultural properties open to the public and four events will be held. There are many cultural properties throughout Tokyo that can only be seen during this period. Please take advantage of this time to visit these priceless cultural properties.
* Properties opened in Minato City - Nov. 1st to 9th
- National Heritage place: former Shimbashi Station, Daisan Daiba
- National beatuty site: former Shiba Detached Palace Garden
- National treasure: Wooden statue of Bodhisattva possesion of Okura Shukokan Museum.
- Important cultural treasure: Stone Nyorai statue, possession of Okura Shukokan Museum; Zuishoji Temple Treasure Hall; Inbrie Hall in Meiji Gakuin University; The construction documents of Edo Castle, possession of Tokyo Metropolitan Library; Former Gate of the Taitokuin mausoleum.
- National accession: Okura Shukokan Museum, Myojoin temple clay-wall store house, and Kumano Hall
- Tokyo Metropolis protected species: The oak tree in the former Hosokawa property at Takanawa area; The ginkgo tree at Shiba Toshogu
- Tokyo Metropolis tangible culture properties: Zojo-ji Temple scripture hall.
* City Events - from Oct. 1st to Nov. 30th
- "Walk around the ruins of the Edo Castle outer mote" sponsored by Chiyoda
City, Minato City, and Shinuku City: - Minato Local History Museum special exhibition
Tokyo Metropolitan Archives lobby exhibition
Shimbashi Railway history exhibit room project
For more details: See our brochure distributed by Minato Local History
Museum, Minato City Libraries, Regional City Offices.
Inquiries: Minato Call: 5472-3710
