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Did you know that there was once a god of fortune in Sendai? His name was "Sendai Shiro"
Even today, there is a constant stream of stores displaying his photographs in the hope of sharing in his blessings. What kind of person was he, and what kind of happiness has he brought to them?
The personality of Sendai Shiro
Sendai Shiro was born in the late Edo period as the fourth son of the Haga family, gunsmiths of the Sendai domain, who lived in what was then known as "Yagurashita" , he was also known as Yagurashita Shiro
At the age of seven, he fell into the Hirose River and lost consciousness, after which his intellectual development was delayed, but because of his kind personality, everyone loved him and he was given food at the stores he visited
Sendai Shiro, who wandered around the city every day and loved to make people happy, would sweep the area in front of a store whenever he saw a broom leaning against it, and when he found a bucket and ladle full of water, he would even start sprinkling water on the store
At some point, rumors began to spread that the stores where Shiro cleaned and watered suddenly saw a boom in business
because of this, Sendai Shiro became loved by everyone as a "living god of fortune."
He was also known for being a railway enthusiast, and when Sendai Station on the Tohoku Main Line opened in 1887, he visited the station almost every day, and after receiving tickets from people, he traveled by train to Shiroishi City, Fukushima Prefecture, and Yamagata Prefecture
The happiness that Sendai Shiro brings
It is said that the stores that Sendai Shiro visited prospered, while there is also a legend that stores that bullied Sendai Shiro went into decline
Sendai Shiro had an honest personality, but he would not go to a restaurant he did not like, no matter how warmly he was invited. It can be seen as him choosing to visit restaurants that were honest businesses, without ulterior motives or ambition. Perhaps Sendai Shiro's ability was to bring happiness to people who made efforts for others
The beloved Sendai Shiro is said to have died at the age of 47 in Sukagawa, Fukushima Prefecture around 1902 (Meiji 35). However, nothing is known for certain, and even though he was famous at the time, his gravesite is unknown
Moreover , there were reports of sightings even after the Showa era began , so perhaps he really was a god.
Since then, it has been passed down in Sendai as a symbol of good fortune
Mitakiyama Fudoin Temple , located in Chris Road, an arcade shopping street in Sendai city , is a temple and shrine that also enshrines Sendai Shiro.
Perhaps Sendai Shiro is still strolling around the shopping district, hoping that happiness will be brought equally to all the stores in the district
Sendai's God of Fortune "Sendai Shiro"
Sendai Shiro goods are sold at souvenir shops throughout Sendai. Among them, the bromide is a popular souvenir among businessmen as a talisman for prosperity in business
It might make a great gift as a souvenir from Sendai!
A thin-haired writer who loves traveling and laughter. A nice guy who hides thinning hair by shaving his hair! I will run north and south to make Tohoku smile with my writing!
