Why Japan's only 'weather shrine' is seeing surge in visitors
Tokyo's Kisho Jinja weather shrine, the only one of its kind in Japan, is witnessing a significant increase in visitors. Worshippers are seeking divine intervention to alleviate the impacts of extreme weather events, such as intense heatwaves and devastating super-typhoons. These climatic changes have disrupted the traditional four-season cycle in Japan, leading to concerns among locals like Yoichi Yamada and Shota Suzuki about flooding and agricultural impact.
Shrine's popularity boosted by anime, digital forecasts
The shrine, located in Suginami's vibrant neighborhood of Koenji, attracts a young demographic. Its popularity was further boosted by its feature in the 2019 anime Weathering With You. A digital display near its large outer torii gate provides daily weather updates, adding to its appeal. Daishin Kontani, a priest and certified weather forecaster at the shrine, said he has observed an increase in climate-conscious worshippers over the past two to three years.
Climate crisis triggers increase in extreme weather events
"In the past few years, Japan has also seen an increase in flooding and landslides caused by heavy and strong rain," said Kontani. Record high temperatures, increased risk of landslides and flooding, and more potent tropical cyclones have become common. In August, Tokyo was hit by "guerrilla rainstorms," sudden downpours that caused significant disruption. The severity of heat exhaustion has also escalated over the past two decades, prompting medical authorities to introduce a "most severe" category on their heatstroke index.
Kisho Jinja weather shrine: A historical perspective
Amid these weather concerns is where the Kisho Jinja weather shrine comes into play. It is situated on the grounds of the Koenji Hikawa shrine, dedicated to several deities from the Shinto faith. During World War II, a research group was established by the Imperial Japanese Army to study weather forecasting for military strategy. The first weather shrine was built in Mabashi in 1944, but was later dismantled and rebuilt at its current location after state Shinto ended in 1945.
Worshippers seek divine intervention for weather control
One of the enshrined deities at the Kisho Jinja weather shrine, Yagokoro Omoikaneno Mikoto, is believed to control eight meteorological phenomena. Worshippers often inscribe their wishes for favorable weather on wooden votive tablets called ema. The shrine attracts a diverse range of visitors, including those with commercial interests like air conditioner manufacturers and sports teams. However, some visit out of desperation rather than faith, praying for a reduction in major disasters.
