Minatogawa Shrine

　　William Elliot Griffis (1843-1928), who was invited to teach science and stayed in Japan from 1870 for 4 years, wrote "The Mikado's Empire". He tells in the work that his Japanese students and his friends replied "Masashige Kusunoki" to his question; who do you think the most honorable figure is in Japan's history? However at present, how many Japanese people know about even only his name? After World War II, Japanese people were brainwashed by the United Nations. Education was also controlled by the winner. The myths, lots of historical facts, and everything that was inconvenient to the Allies were concealed.
　　I went to Kobe City with my wife to join a party, about which I'll write about in the following entry, and dropped in at Minatogawa Shrine. Enshrined here is the guardian deity of Japan, Masashige Kusunoki himself. He had lived his life for the Imperial Court and killed himself at the place where the shrine is now built. I wish you'd get his information in detail from the internet or something.
　　Because the present Japanese people have been taught distorted history, I wouldn't be surprised if I barely saw people in the grounds, but there were lots of people who prayed for something or happiness for newborn babies, or celebrated the growth of their children or grandchildren. It's a well-known event called shichi-go-san, literally seven, five, and three. I made many wishes and offered thanks concerning everything around me. Then, I visited his tomb and joined my hands in prayer.
　　I think Japan will change drastically, as the internet is getting widely used and people can easily get information directly from the net.
　　I'll upload my photo with a picture of a monkey dressed like a noble person. It's because next year is the Monkey's Year in the Oriental Zodiac.