A Little Girl’s Prayer At Koshin-zuka

 Koshin-zuka refers to a stone pagoda that originated from the Genshen faith and was introduced from China. It exists outside the realms of both Buddhism and Shinto. Throughout Japan, these pagodas are scattered in abundance. In my Tokyo neighborhood, I encounter at least one of these structures during a random 30-minute walk. Let me share my observations.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Fig. Koshin-zuka

Koshin-zuka Varieties:

Fig. Koshin-zuka (a) - (c) showcase some of these pagodas in my vicinity. The kanji characters inscribed on the stones signify “Koshin-zuka.” Behind these stones lie descriptions detailing when each Koshin-zuka was erected. Many of them trace their origins back to the Tokugawa period.

Beyond Pagodas:

Within the Koshin-zuka family of statues, we also find other figures. Among them are the Koshin-To and the Dohyo (sign post) shown in (d). These too hold significance.

Fig. (d), a captivating object, bears the inscription “Kuhonbutsu: Left.” Kuhonbutsu refers to a large Buddhist temple located 1 kilometer to the left of this spot. This particular statue has become one of my favorites in the neighborhood. Its caretaker, seemingly the owner of the nearby condominium, diligently maintains it.

A Serendipitous Encounter:

One late afternoon, as I strolled along a river, I passed through a Koshin-zuka depicted in Fig.  (b). There, I witnessed a little girl in prayer. Curious, I approached her and asked, “May I inquire about your prayer?”

Historical Context:

During the Meiji era, the government classified Genshen faith as superstition. Consequently, they initiated the removal of these pagodas from major roads.Over time, due to road network expansions and renovations—especially during the period of rapid economic growth in the 20th century—many Koshin-zuka were either relocated or lost. 

In Fig. Koshin-zuka (b), the land appears to cover only approximately 30 square meters. Even though it is tiny, it would indeed correspond to a substantial value, perhaps at least $300,000. The question arises: Why don’t the Koshin-zuka owners sell these parcels of land? I delved into this matter by asking three random individuals, and interestingly, their responses were unanimous:

Japan, despite being one of the most secular societies globally, maintains a deep-rooted reverence for tradition, spirituality, and the unseen. The interplay between the tangible and the intangible, the material and the metaphysical, is woven into the fabric of Japanese culture.

Perhaps the Koshin-zuka stands as a testament to a collective memory—a nod to ancestors, prayers, and hopes whispered through generations. To sell such a place might sever that delicate thread connecting the past, present, and future.

So, the Koshin-zuka owners, pragmatic yet mindful, choose to preserve these sacred spaces, even if it means forgoing a lucrative sale. 

For in their hearts, they understand that some treasures cannot be measured in currency alone. And thus, the mystery persists—a dance between earthly pragmatism and ethereal reverence, played out on the stage of a 30-square-meter plot.