Honmokusan Myoko-ji Temple

#ancienttownvibes I would like to introduce Honmokusan Myoko-ji Temple in Myokojidai. It is a temple with a long history that follows the teachings of Nichiren Daishoin. According to the temple legend, it was founded in 814 by Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of the Shingon sect, and at first it was called Tokai-ji Temple, and Yakushi Nyorai was enshrined as the principal image. In 1264, it was changed to Myoko-ji Temple due to the inctrination of Nichiren Daishonin. It is also famous as the birthplace of the national anthem "Kimigayo" and was composed by John William Fenton, the head of the British Army's military music, in the fall of Meiji 2. As for the lyrics, I sent the congratulatory song department of the ancient and modern wakashu to Mr. Fenton and asked him to compose them. The original Kimigayo was abolished once in Meiji 9 because it was difficult to sing in a European-style chorus tone, and the revision of the national anthem composition in Meiji 13 was carried out mainly by Nakamura, the naval military music director, and it has become a masterpiece in Japan today.