The term Yasukuni of Yasukuni Jinja, the new name being graciously bestowed by His Imperial Majesty the Emperor Meiji in Meiji 12 (1879), signifies "peaceful country".

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
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The term Yasukuni of Yasukuni Jinja, the new name being graciously bestowed by His Imperial Majesty the Emperor Meiji in Meiji 12 (1879), signifies "peaceful country" implying that, owing to the meritorious services of the spirits of the deities worshipped, the nation enjoys peace and security.

From ancient times the people of Japan believed that the 'mitama' (soul) of the deceased remained upon the land to be celebrated by their descendants. It was believed that the 'mitama' of the deceased would watch over the good fortune of their descendants together with the ancestral Kami.

The ancestral Kami were celebrated upon this land for celebra-tion by their descendants would bring the greatest joy to the 'mitama' of these Kami who protected the livelihood and prosperity of their descendants. It is said that this belief has been transmitted to us from antiquity and it will continue to be conveyed unchanged to future generations.

Kunio Yanagita in his 'Senzo no Hanashi' (Talks on Ancestors) published in 1946 writes: "One point that I hoped to emphasize in this book was the view about life after death of the Japanese people. After death the soul remains eternally upon this land. It is believed that the soul does not travel to a distant land. This faith has endured strongly. It was continuously practiced from the beginning of time until the present day." About this nearby place where the 'mitama' remain, Yanagita continues: "The place to which souls travel to after the death of the body is more peaceful and pure far from the hustle and bustle of this world. Yet it must certainly a place where the souls can see us." In other words, deep in the hearts of the Japanese people is the faith that the 'mitama' dwell in a quiet and lofty land in the place of one's birth from where they watch over us. It is a land from where they will respond if called upon.

Yasukuni Jinja was founded upon this belief from ancient times. The Annual Spring Grand Festival has been held continuously since the establishment of the Jinja together with many other festivities. This is why the people of Japan offer their sincere prayers to the 'mitama' of those who gave their lives for the country.

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yasukuni, jinja, asia, japan