Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine

In honor of the local hero, Sontoku Ninomiya (1787-1856), Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine focuses on Education. Ninomiya was an orphan, known for educating himself, transforming himself from a poor farmboy into a samurai and supporting the agrarian reform. This legendary story has been immortalised through two statues within the shrine grounds – one of Ninomiya as a boy, reading a book whilst carrying firewood on his back, and the second of Ninomiya as an old man, still studying. Statues of young Ninomiya can be found at most elementary schools in Japan, inspiring children to work hard.

April 30, 2016