The Revival of the Clan Began

Hirugashima

(Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

【Oie Saikou (お家再興)】means "the revival or restoration of a noble family" in English. It refers to the efforts made to rebuild and restore the honor, influence, and power of a distinguished lineage or noble household that may have faced challenges or setbacks. It was here in Hirugakojima that the grand narrative of revival (お家再興) began, giving birth to the first Samurai government. It was a pivotal moment, where honor, loyalty, and simmering discontent with the central government converged to shape the destiny of a nation. From the humble beginning, a legacy of valor and leadership was forged, setting the stage for a new era in Japan's storied past.

The statues depicts a couple, ‘Minamoto no Yoritomo’ (源頼朝) and his wife, ‘Hōjō Masako’ (北条政子). In 1160, Yoritomo was exiled to Hirugakojima at his age 14, a secluded place away from the central government in Kyoto. This happened because his father, the head of the ‘Genji clan’, was defeated by the ‘Heike clan’ during the abortive coup. In 1180, ‘Yoritomo’ stood up for the revenge as a successor of ‘Genji clan’, and aimed to overthrow the ‘Heike clan’, which controlled the central government at the time.

After 9 years, Yoritomo finally defeated the ‘Heike clan’ and established the first Samurai government at Kamakura. However, The story doesn’t end there. Following Yoritomo's death, his wife's family, the ‘Hōjō clan’, seized control of the government and wielded the real power for around 150 years.

The Hōjō clan was a powerful regional family based in the vicinity of Hirugashima. The family temples and the remains of their residence are still preserved in that area. One of the temple is the Ganjōjuin temple, established in 1189 by Hōjō Tokimasa, who was Masako's father.

The temple houses a remarkable statue of Amitabha Tathagata, skillfully and delicately carved by Unkei, one of Japan's most renowned Buddhist sculptors in history. With a sturdy and powerful physique, it exudes an overwhelming sense of weight. Contrast to its body, the flowing patterns of graceful garment is like weightless. It holds out its hands in front of the chest, showing its palm toward people, as if sending out power of mercy to save people of the turbulent era. This statue, along with four accompanying Buddhist statues, has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan.

Behind the temple is the residence of Hōjō clan surrounding a small mountain. It is now a vacant lot with weeds. The transparent panels are installed to offer a glimpse into the architectural layout and design of the residence during that era. Visitors envision the grandeur of the original structure.