Oda Nobunaga’s Seppuku: Honnō-ji!, a set on Flickr. This temple is the head temple of the Hokke-shu Hommon sect, and was established in the year 1415 by the monk Nichiryu. In 1582 Oda Nobunaga was attacked at this temple by Akechi Mitsuhide (the Honno-ji incident). Although this temple is famous world wide where Nobunaga committed suicide with his own sword, Continue reading «Oda Nobunaga’s Seppuku: Honnō-ji (本能寺)!»

Yabusame shinji (流鏑馬神事) is a type of mounted archery in which the rider shoots at a target from a galloping horse. Arrows with a turnip-shaped head are used. There is a theory that the etymology of the word Yabusame is a contraction of yabaseume and it is thought to mean to shoot arrows on horsback. Three targets are placed along Continue reading «Yabusame shinji, Prelude to the Aoi Matsuri!»

Emperor Sakuramachi (桜町天皇 Sakuramachi-tennō, February 8, 1720 – May 28, 1750) was the 115th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Sakuramachi’s reign spanned the years from 1735 through 1747. He was said to be the reincarnation of Prince Shōtoku. With the support of Tokugawa Yoshimune, he worked for the restoration of Imperial rites, bringing back the Continue reading «Famous Birthdays Today: 1720 -Emperor Sakuramachi of Japan.»