A must-see for cat lovers: Tracing the history of the region through "Shinobuyama Neko Inari" (Fukushima Prefecture)

Do you like cats?

Cat-themed goods and motifs, cat cafes and other cat-themed spots... the world is overflowing with people's love for cats. No matter how tough a person normally looks, there are some people whose faces light up when they see a cat

On the other hand, in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, there is a shrine called "Neko Inari" (Cat Inari). You might think, "Have the people of Fukushima been cat lovers since ancient times?!" However, there was a practical reason for the establishment of Neko Inari.

This time, we will start from Neko Inari and trace the history of the industries that flourished in Fukushima Prefecture

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A mecca for cat lovers? Fukushima City's Neko Inari Shrine

Cat cafes are everywhere across Japan, but Fukushima CityShinobu-yama Neko Inarihas

There is a "Neko Inari" shrine on Mount Shinobu in Fukushima City

sits in the heart of Fukushima City, Fukushima PrefectureMount Shinobu. It's conveniently located just 3km from Fukushima Station and the Fukushima Prefectural Government Office, and a little over 2km from the Fukushima City Hall. Surrounded by urban areas, its gently rolling hillside resembles a small island. From the park and several observation decks, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, and in spring, it becomes a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, attracting many visitors.

It also has aspects of a power spot and has been an object of mountain worship since ancient times. There are peaks called Hagurosan, Hayama, Kumanosan, and Tateishiyama, and gods and Buddhas are enshrined at the summit of each mountain. Halfway up the old pilgrimage route to Haguro Shrine, "Goshinzaka," there is a building that stands quietly. It is the "(Old Folk House Nishisaka House).

The old Nishisaka House is said to be the house used by the retainers who accompanied a member of the imperial family when they fled after losing a power struggle. The building has now been renovated and is used as a rest area. And beyond the torii gate on the same grounds as the old Nishisaka HouseShinobu-yama Neko Inariis the Nishisaka Inari Shrine, also known as

You can also pray for the happiness of your beloved cat at "Shinobuyama Neko Inari (Nishizaka Inari)"

If you pass through the vermilion torii gate located on the same grounds as the old Nishizaka house, you will see a small shrine and a bulletin board-like sign

When I looked at the board, I saw a row of photos of cats..

In fact, this board was set up for those who wish to pray for the health and happiness of their beloved cats. It's a very thoughtful gesture, considering that this is a power spot named after a cat. If you wish to display it, bring an L-size photo of your beloved cat and purchase a special photo case and clip at the Nishizaka Old House. Photos are generally displayed for one year, and after the display period has expired, they will be filed and stored separately. We also recommend getting a goshuin (temple seal) with a cat design as a memento of your visit

Shinobuyama Neko Inari Shrine <Information>

• Facility name: Shinobuyama Neko Inari (Nishizaka Inari Shrine)
• Location: Miyama Iwasaka, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Official URL:https://www.shinobuyama.com/

Google Map

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Why is it called a "cat" even though it's an Inari shrine?

Inari shrinesfoxes. This is because Inari Okami, the god of agriculture, is said to use foxes as his messengers.

in its name? In fact, the deity enshrined at Shinobu-yama Neko Inari is a fox, and(cat)there is a legend that it is called "Gonbo Kitsune" (Gobo Fox).

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"Three Foxes of Mount Shinobu—GoboFox of Mount Shinobu"Chojiro of Ippaimori—and Kamozaemon of Ishigamoriwere mischievous foxes. Among them, Gobo Fox was particularly skilled at deceiving people and was always causing trouble.

One day, Kamozaemon lies to Gobou Kitsune, saying, "If you use your tail to catch fish, you'll catch a surprising amount."

The deceived Gobo Fox was fishing with his tail hanging in the swamp when, in the cold, cold midwinter, the swamp froze solid, and he was unable to pull his tail out. When he tried to pull it out with all his might, the tail snapped off at the base, and Gobo Fox lost his power to transform

Seeing the disappointed Gobo Fox, the monk of Mt. Shinobu offered words of comfort. The reformed Gobo Fox wanted to repay the kindness of the people, so he decided to exterminate the rats that were pests in the thriving sericulture industry in the area

The grateful people began to worship Gobo Fox as "Cat Inari" for having exterminated the rats, and over time it is said to have become a shrine where people pray for the happiness of cats

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The reason why Shinobuyama Neko Inari Shrine has the word "cat" in its name is because cats were important in the area in the past as they exterminated rats. Furthermore, it turns out that the reason they wanted to exterminate rats was because the sericulture industry was thriving

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Sericulture culture flourished in Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima City and Fukushima Prefecture have been bustling with sericulture since the Edo period. Not only did they produce raw silk, they were also famous for producing high-quality silkworm eggs (silkworm eggs). They selected and crossbred superior varieties of silkworms, and even used trial and error to select the finest mulberry leaves to feed them. As a result, the silkworm egg industry, which shipped silkworm eggs, became popular during the Meiji period

Sericulture has been a familiar industry in Fukushima for a long time. It is not uncommon for homes to raise silkworms. When talking to local elderly people, many of them will say, "In the old days, we had silkworm farmers at home..." Silkworms were raised, thread was spun, and the finished raw silk was shipped throughout Tohoku, the rest of the country, and overseas. It was an important industry that provided financial resources for the region

The tide turned in the Showa era. As synthetic fibers gradually became more widespread, the demand for sericulture gradually decreased. When silkworms were no longer raised, mulberry fields became unnecessary. To make use of the vacant mulberry fields, many homes planted fruit trees. This was the beginning of Fukushima's current status as the Fruit Kingdom

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Kawamata Town, where silk culture remains strong

Although sericulture, once a thriving industry, has now declined, traces of the industry from that time still remain

Kawamata Town, located in the northern part of Fukushima Prefecture, has a long history of silk production dating back to the Heian period, spanning 1,300 years. Known as the "Village of Silk, who is said to have introduced and spread sericulture to the arealegend of Princess Kotehime" the town's symbol is a character based on the

Silk fabrics produced in Kawamata Town are called "Kawamata Silk." They are produced using a special technique that involves weaving thin silk threads in a wide width. Several manufacturers are still producing Kawamata Silk, and the sight of rows of looms whirring in unison inside the factories is magnificent.

While preserving traditional techniques, we also develop products that are in line with the times. Our highly fashionable, lightweight, and supple stoles are popular as Mother's Day gifts and other occasions. "Fairy Feather," which boasts the world's thinnest silk fabric, is another material that is attracting attention worldwide.

The development of Kawamata silk, which evolves traditional culture to meet modern needs, will be something not to be missed

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summary

This time,Shinobu-yama Neko Inariwe started our discussion at

Cats are now primarily seen as pets, but in the past in Japan they were life partners who helped get rid of mice. The reasons may be different, but back then cats were considered "precious" creatures by people. Although sericulture is now in decline, traces of the culture of that time remain in various parts of the prefecture, and the high quality and production techniques of Kawamata silk have attracted attention from around the world

I hope this story will be something you remember when traveling to Fukushima

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