Kurodani Konkai Komyoji Temple: “The Rulers of Japan and the Culture of the Imperial Court”

KASANE IROME 1150 is a cultural initiative that brings the fresh appreciation of nature, refined sensibilities, and rich spiritual traditions of the Imperial Court into the present day. On Sunday, October 18, and Monday, October 19, it will host a special two-day event at Kurodani Konkai Komyoji Temple.
Within the grounds of Konkai Komyoji Temple stands a three-story pagoda built to commemorate Tokugawa Hidetada and pray for the repose of his soul.
The temple grounds are also home to memorial monuments dedicated to Sugen-in (Oeyo), Hidetada’s principal wife and the mother of Tokugawa Iemitsu and Tofukumon-in; Kasuga no Tsubone, Iemitsu’s wet nurse; and Tokugawa Tadanaga, Iemitsu’s younger brother.
At this site, where the memory of people closely associated with the Kan’ei Gyoko is preserved, visitors are invited to trace the history of events that unfolded 400 years ago.

Sunday, October 18
“The Rulers of Japan and the Culture of the Imperial Court — Autumn Chapter: The Tokugawa Era”

Through two lectures, participants will explore the history of Konkai Komyoji Temple and its connections with the Kan’ei era, as well as the historical research underlying the reconstruction of the ceremonial attire to be worn in the reenactment procession of the Kan’ei Gyoko.
A special display of the Imperial calligraphy of Emperor Go-Mizunoo, bearing the Buddhist invocation “Namu Amida Butsu” (Homage to Amida Buddha), will also be presented at the lecture venue. The work is held in the collection of Konkai Komyoji Temple.

【Lecture 1】“The History of Konkai Komyoji Temple: With a Focus on the Edo Period”

Lecturer: Shugen Hashimoto (Chief Administrator, Konkai Komyoji Temple)
A special display of Emperor Go-Mizunoo’s Imperial calligraphy, bearing the Buddhist invocation “Namu Amida Butsu,” will be presented. (Collection of Konkai Komyoji Temple)

【Lecture 2】“Ceremonial Attire for the Imperial Visit to Nijo Castle: Materials Used in Reconstruction and the Historical Development of Ichinichi-bare”

Lecturer: Daisuke Tsuda (Supervisor of Ceremonial Attire for the Kan’ei Gyoko; Researcher, Yamashina Institute of Court Costume and Traditions)
Supervision and Moderator: Kotochika Yamashina (Junior Head of the Yamashina School of Emon-do)

Details & Registration
(Peatix)

Monday, October 19 (Ninth Day of the Ninth Month of the Traditional Lunar Calendar)
“The Rulers of Japan and the Culture of the Imperial Court — The Chrysanthemum Festival”

The event will feature a demonstration of the traditional Yamashina School techniques for dressing in junihitoe (the formal twelve-layered court attire worn by women), along with a presentation of reconstructed ceremonial garments associated with the Kan’ei Gyoko.
Visitors will also experience a reenactment of kikuwata (the custom of covering chrysanthemums with cotton), a traditional Imperial Court observance associated with the Choyo no Sekku (Chrysanthemum Festival).
In addition, a special exhibition at Renseiro, located within the temple grounds, will present calligraphy and paintings by cultural figures associated with the Kan’ei era, works relating to the Chrysanthemum Festival, and historical research materials used in reconstructing the ceremonial attire.

Details & Registration
(Peatix)

≪Related Event≫
Special Exhibition: “The Rulers of Japan and the Culture of the Imperial Court — Autumn Chapter: The Tokugawa Era”