★Dazaifu Tenmangu Temporary Shrine
※ The main hall of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine has been closed for a three-year renovation since May 14th, 2023. In the interim, visitors may pray at this temporary shrine.
2027 will mark 1,125 years since the death of Michizune. In preparation for this critical turning point, restoration has begun on the main hall, which serves as both the gravesite of Michizune and the place where his spirit resides. This is the first time in 124 years that the shrine will be restored, and the project is predicted to take three years. The temporary shrine will be used during this time.
Rain was continuously falling as a small festival took place the evening before the temporary hall opened for worship. In the pitch black of the night, the priests held a large box made of white cloth called a “kinugaki” and set out from the main hall as if trying to conceal something with it. The spirit of Michizune was hidden within. Walking to the sounds of Japanese instruments, they approached the temporary shrine, shielding the spirit from prying eyes. As soon as they entered the shrine and the spirit of Michizune was successfully transferred, the rain suddenly stopped and someone quietly whispered, “A purifying rain.” The main hall, which had been the center of worship, suddenly felt like an empty shell, with the weight transferred over to the temporary shrine.
Why did they decide to make a temporary shrine? The people of Dazaifu Tenmangu are constantly thinking of ways to please Michizune. The shrine would become a temporary home for him, and for three years, at that, so they wanted him to spend these years in comfort. Michizune was a major contributor to the progress of modern art, so the temporary shrine also needed to represent the pinnacle of modern culture and art. The most important thing was to think of the spirit of Michizune, a god no one can see, and feel joy. By allowing the spirit to rest and feel restored, those who pray to him receive more blessings.
Just what is a spirit? Can you feel it around you as you enter the hall? The Japanese people have always held a deep respect for their ancestors. They have many customs that allow their ancestors to eat and drink alongside them, and they always try to show the utmost hospitality. To question what a spirit is may also be to question your own spirit of hospitality.
You may also be asking why 1,125 years is a turning point for this shrine. At Dazaifu Tenmangu, the number 25 is very important because Michizune was born on June 25th and died on February 25th. Not only does the shrine hold a festival on the 25th of every month, but they also hold a large memorial festival every 25 years. On these pivotal days, the community comes together in reflection. It is thanks to traditions like this that the faith of the people lives on. The gate on the other side of the Taiko Bridge is one of the offerings from the 1,000-year memorial celebration. From the Bronze Ox to the Taiko Bridge and the Temizuya water purification station, the landscape of Dazaifu Tenmangu is a collection of the thoughts and prayers of the people who have come to worship here.
So just what is a spirit? The important thing is that it cannot be seen, but we hope your time here gives you a chance to reflect on this question.
The priests often speak about the “rustling of the wind” that can be heard on night patrols around the shrine. We want you to also take a moment to listen to your surroundings. You might hear the buzz of insects or birds singing, as this temporary space has already become a unique ecosystem on its own.
This temporary shrine was designed by architect Sousuke Fujimoto. The concept of the space, a floating forest and the shrine built within it, is based on the story of a plum tree that loved Michizane so much, it flew to Dazaifu overnight from Kyoto to follow him. The rooftop forest has over 60 species of plants, including plum trees native to the shrine grounds, cherry trees, camphor trees, maple trees, and oak trees. You will never grow tired of this landscape, which is ever-changing with the seasons. Once renovations are completed and the temporary shrine is removed, the plants will be replanted in the shrine grove and live on. Some other changes will also be constructed with future visitors in mind, such as constructing a slope that allows people to worship without removing their shoes.
The silk screen and curtain that you see inside the temporary shrine were designed by the famous fashion brand, Mame Kurogouchi. The three-dimensional embroidered screen is a combination of old and new techniques, such as dyeing with plum and camphor branches from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. The curtain, on the other hand, doesn’t have any lining on the back, so the design on the front is visible from behind it. This allows the spirit of Michizune, who lives within the shrine, to be able to enjoy the design as well.
The background music was composed by NF, a company run by Ichiro Yamaguchi of Sakanaction, and the lighting was designed by Kaoru Mende of Lighting Planners Associates. Since Michizune is revered as a deity of the arts, this temporary shrine is a reflection of modern-day creators. This isn’t limited to just the temporary shrine; art can also be seen all around the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu. The shrine also hosts a “Dazaifu Tenmangu Art Program,” where artists conduct research and create works while staying on the grounds.
Shrines act as a gathering place for people and a place where the past and the future come together.
※From October 1 to 31 there will be a Special Examination Prayer Festival. During that time there will be a special screen designed by doll maker Hiromine Nakamura displayed in the temporary shrine.