New Stories of Deities: Kumano and Hachiman Engi Tales
Term：May 13 (Thu) - July 3 (Sat) , 2021
We have English explanation part in this exhibition.
Stories that share the origins of shrines and temples or the mysterious powers of deities are called engi in Japanese. These stories were based on the religious beliefs of temples, shrines, and people.
During the middle ages, based on the currents and religious beliefs of the time, new stories and myths were created about Amaterasu Ōmikami and Susanō-no-Mikoto, who are depicted in ancient myths, as well as about Kumano and Hachiman deities, who were spreading throughout Japan. This also influenced literature and entertainment.
Research was carried out on these new tales of deities by the likes of Shinto history scholar Nishida Nagao (1909–1981), who was a professor at Kokugakuin University, as well as Kadokawa Gen’yoshi (1917–1975) a Kokugakuin University graduate, Japanese literature scholar, and founder of the publishing company Kadokawa Shoten.
This exhibition will present deities through displays of a variety of engi illustrated scrolls from the university’s library. These scrolls cover Kumano deities, Hachiman-shin (Emperor Ōjin), and his mother Empress Jingū.
Outline
| Term | May 13 (Thu) - July 3 (Sat) , 2021 |
|---|---|
| Place | Kokugakuin University Museum, Special Exhibition Space |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Access | Accessible on foot or by bus, 10-15 minutes from Shibuya, Omote-sandō, or Ebisu Station. Directions to Kokugakuin University Museum |