Princess story

This kamishibai depicts Princess Sen’s feelings and wishes as told by her nanny, Osakabe. It was Osakabe who accompanied Princess Sen on her journey to Edo Castle to plea for the safety of her husband and mother-in-law during the Summer Siege of Osaka. Furthermore, it is said that Princess Sen and her ladies-in-waiting were very surprised to learn that her nanny shared the same name as Osakabe shrine, named after the deity enshrined at Himeji Castle where they moved. With synchronicities like these, people can sometimes find a ray of hope.

The first feminist of Japan「Princess Sen」

“What could I do?”

Princess Sen repeatedly asked herself before taking action. Although Princess Sen had a gentle personality, she displayed extraordinary courage during the summer campaign of the Siege of Osaka. Risking her life, she navigated through the terrifying battlefield to plead for the safety of her husband and mother-in-law, and later helped Hideyori’s daughter, surprising everyone around her. She showed understanding for the various positions of women in that era, and by having various experiences herself, she was respected by the women of the Tokugawa family in the Ooku, and contributed to maintaining the stability of the Tokugawa Shogunate. She also worked hard to support women who were facing the societal constraints of divorce, establishing  Kakekomi-dera— a sanctuary for women seeking protection and divorce mediation, She also worked hard to protect people’s lives by providing relief for flood victims. She is said to have been the first feminist of Japan.

Otokoyama Senhime Tenmangu Shrine

Otokoyama Senhime Tenmangu Shrine was built by Princess Sen after she was moved by the presence of the gods and received a revelation in a dream. A wooden statue of Tenjin, created by the monk Son-I ”尊意”, the 13th head priest of the Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei, is enshrined here. She offered distant worship from Nishi-no-maru Himeji Castke without fail every morning and evening, praying for the prosperity of the Hondas. There were many other donations, but only the battledore remains.

THE PEACE TOUR

On this peace tour, you will experience not only the scars left by war but also the ray of hope that emerged from tragedy, through the meaningful act of folding paper cranes and a visit to the Himeji Historical Peace Center.

Tegarayama, the destination of the Peace Tour, has a unique name. The word “Tegara” means achieving remarkable results or honor, either individually or as a group. The crane is considered an auspicious bird and is believed to be spiritually advanced because cranes care for and recognize one another.

We sincerely hope that folding cranes and praying for peace on the auspicious grounds of Tegarayama will be an inspiring and hope-filled experience for all participants.