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Nothing is steadfast but the will, nothing endures but one's achievements. —Yoshida Shoin

September 20 marks the 193rd birthday for Yoshida Shoin, the father of the Meiji Restoration. There are more popular figures in Japanese history, but I enjoyed learning about this determined political activist and dedicated teacher from the mid 1800s for my first book.

This spring, my husband and I visited one of the shrines dedicated to him, in Setagaya, Tokyo. Unfortunately the shrine was closed on the only day we could visit, so I couldn’t get my goshuincho (shrine and temple seal book) stamped. Nevertheless, I was determined to pay my respects. So we hopped on a series of trains from Tokyo Bay to go an hour NW to Setagaya.

Main building of Shoin Shrine. Dark wood panels with golden trim on the outside. A sweeping roof. A red, white, and black noren curtain hangs over the door that houses the offering box and inner shrine elements. — Main shrine building

Statue of Shoin-san. In the background, plum trees are blooming in with pink and white buds. — Statue of Shoin-san

Replica of the house in Hagi (far western Japan). A simple one room school house. The doors were closed, so we didn't get to see inside. — Replica of the house in Hagi (in far Western Japan), where he taught

Even just visiting when the Shrine was closed was moving. I imagined Shoin-san teaching his students in that little one room schoolhouse, where they would stay up all night studying and learning together. He probably would have been sleeping when we arrived early that morning. 😉 Yes, we stayed respectfully quiet while visiting.

What shrine in Japan would you visit if you could?

As I sign off, I’ll remind you to…

Be the Difference. Be extraordinary.

All the best,

Amy

Yoshida Shoin Shrine

Be the Difference. Be extraordinary.

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