Hiraizumi’s History
Hiraizumi Related Chronology
749 | Year 1 of Tenpyō-kanpō era | Nara era | Tenpyō gold production. Offerings of gold from the land of Michinoku. If you do not know what to do, you will not be disappointed in a miserable mound. |
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752 | Year 4 of Tenpyō-kanpō era | Todai-ji Great Buddha Opening Ceremony | |
788 | Year 7 of Enraku era | Saicho, Mt. Hiei Enryaku-ji constructed |
794 | Year 13 of Enraku era | Heian era | Transfer of capital to Heian | |
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801 | Year 20 of Enraku era | Victory by SAKANOUENO Tamauramaro, commander-in-chief of expeditionary force against the barbarians, commemorated, and Baishamon-do Temple constructed at Takkokunoiwaya (according to temple records) | ||
802 | Year 21 of Enraku era | Isawa Castle established Takkoku Seiko-ji Temple opened as separate temple from Baishamon-do Temple (according to temple records) | ||
804 | Year 23 of Enraku era | Transfer of Michinoku base from Taga Castle to Isawa Castle. Visits to Saicho, Kukai. | ||
819 | Year 10 of Konin era | Kongobu-ji Temple constructed in Kukai, Mt. Koya | ||
847 | Year 14 of Jowa era | Ennin (also known as Jikaku Daishi) returns to Japan from China | ||
850 | Year 3 of the Kasho era | Jikaku Daishi founds Chūson-ji (Kōdaiju-in) and Mōtsū-ji (Kashō-ji) | ||
862 | Year 4 of Jogan era | Kokuseki-ji Yakushi Buddha opened | ||
894 | Year 6 of Kampyo era | Japanese missions to Tang China halted | ||
935 | Year 5 of Johei era | Revolt of Johei / Tengyo Tendai-ji Temple constructed around this time | ||
941 | Year 4 of Tengyo | FUJIWARA Hidesato (ancestor of Oshu-Fujiwara clan) attacks TAIRA Masakado | ||
985 | Year 1 of Kanna era | Genshin writes “Ōjōyōshū” | ||
990 | Year 1 of Shōryaku era | FUJIWARA Michitaka becomes senior regent. Regent government by Fujiwara clan begins. | ||
1003 | Year 5 of Choho era | MURASAKI Shikibu writes “Genji Monogatari” (The Tale of Genji) around this time. | ||
1007 | Year 4 of Kanko era | FUJIWARA Michinaga erects sutra mound at Mt. Yoshino. | ||
1016 | Year 5 of Chowa era | FUJIWARA Michinaga becomes regent
Heyday of the regency government This world, I think, is indeed my world. Like the full moon I shine, Uncovered by any cloud. | ||
1028 | Year 1 of Chogen era | War with TAIRA Tadatsune (~1031) | ||
1051 | Year 6 of Eisho era | Former Nine Years War MINAMOTO Yoriyoshi becomes the Lord of Mutsu Pardoned by the state, ABE Yoriyoshi changes name to Yoritoki and implements ceasefire | ||
1052 | Year 7 of Eisho era | Age of decadence begins | ||
1053 | Year 1 of Tengi era | FUJIWARA Yorimichi celebrates completion of the Uji Byodo-in Temple’s Ho-o-do (enshrining image of Amitabha) | ||
1056 | Year 4 of Tengi era | Birth of FUJIWARA Kiyohira Aku Towa Incident occurs. FUJIWARA Tsunekiyo (Kiyohira’s father) joins Abe. | ||
1059 | Year 2 of Kohei era | ABE Sadato and others overrun the six counties of Oshu and other areas. Tsunekiyo sent to Shirafu and procures goods. | ||
1062 | Year 5 of Kohei era | ABE Sadato surrenders at Kuriyagawa.
Tsunekiyo beheaded.
Former Nine Years War ends. At age 7, Kiyohira is taken by the DEWA Kiyohara family. | ||
1063 | Year 6 of Kohei | KIYOHARA Takenori is appointed Shogun of the Chiju government. | ||
1070 | Year 2 of Enkyu era | Enkyu battle occurs | ||
1077 | Year 1 of Joryaku era | Emperor Shirakawa dedicates Hosshō-ji. | ||
1081 | Year 1 of Eiho era | MINAMOTO Yoshiie becomes Lord of Mutsu. | ||
1083 | Year 3 of Eiho era | Later Three Years War begins. | ||
1086 | Year 3 of Otoku era | During dispute with Kiyohara’s family, Kiyohira’s wife and child are killed. | ||
1087 | Year 1 of Kanji era | Kiyohira era | Dewa Kanazawa-saku surrenders and the Later Three Years War ends. Kiyohira and Abe take possession of lands and six counties of Oshu. | |
1091 | Year 5 of Kanji | November Kiyohira presents two horses to Regent FUJIWARA Morozane. | ||
1095 | Year 2 of Kaho era | Kiyohira moves to Hiraizumi from Fort Toyota in Esashi (certainly by 1099) | ||
1105 | Year 2 of Choji era | Kiyohira commences construction of Chūson-ji grounds. Saisho-in and Taho-ji Temples are constructed (according to temple records). FUJIWARA Motohira is born around this time. | ||
1117 | Year 5 of Eikyu era | Around this time, Kiyohira has copies made of Issai-kyō Sutra written in gold and silver on dark blue paper | ||
1122 | Year 3 of Hoan era | Kyōzō at Chūson-ji is constructed. FUJIWARA Hidehira is born around this time. | ||
1124 | Year 1 of Tenji era | Framework of Konjikidō at Chūson-ji is completed (written in Indian ink on a ridgepole) | ||
1126 | Year 1 of Daiji era | March A service to celebrate completion of “Great Halls and Grounds of Chingokokka” is conducted (“Chūson-ji Kuyo Ganbun”). | ||
1127 | Year 2 of Daiji era | Conflict occurs between Kiyohira and Kokuji over Shindate Shoen. | ||
1128 | Year 3 of Daiji era | Kiyohira appoints JIZAI Borenko to position at Chūson-ji’s Kyōzō. July Kiyohira dies (age 73). | ||
Motohira era | August Motohira commissions a thousand copies of sutras in gold lettering on dark-blue paper. | |||
1129 | Year 4 of Daiji era | After Kiyohira’s death, Motohira and Koretsune battle over inheritance. | ||
1130 | Year 5 of Daiji era | Motohira attacks Kodate (perhaps Koretsune) of older brother | ||
1138 | Year 4 of Hoen era | Motohira commissions a thousand copies of the Lotus Sutra dedicated to his father (Kiyohira) who had passed away. | ||
1144 | In 1144(the 1rd year of the Ten’yō era) | Saigyo visits Hiraizumi around this time. I was surprised at how many cherry blossoms there were at Mt. Tabashine; Comparable only with Yoshino. | ||
1150 | Year 6 of Kyuan era | Construction of Mōtsū-ji and Kanjizaiō-in begins around this time. | ||
1151 | Year 1 of Nimpei era | Regent FUJIWARA Yorinaga orders an increase in contributions to Motohira. Motohira shows disapproval of order to increase land taxes on Gokasho. Two years later, settled through compromise by both parties. | ||
1152 | Year 2 of Nimbei era | Motohira’s wife (Munetō) dies (according to temple records). | ||
1155 | Year 2 of Kyuju era | FUJIWARA Yasuhira is born. | ||
1156 | Year 1 of Hogen era | Hogen Rebellion occurs. | ||
1157 | Year 2 of Hogen era | Motohira dies around this time. | ||
1159 | Year 1 of Heiji era | Hidehira era | Heiji Rebellion occurs. MINAMOTO Yoshitsune is born. | |
1160 | Year 1 of Eiryaku era | MINAMOTO Yoshitomo dies in battle, and his son MINAMOTO Yoritomo is banished to Ise. FUJIWARA Motonari (father-in-law to Hidehira) is banished to Michinoku on the charge as an accomplice because of his kinship. Hidehira’s daughter (or younger sister), Tokuhime, constructs Shiramizu Amida-do. | ||
1164 | Year 2 of Chokan era | Taira Kiyomori erects Rengeō-in (Sanjūsangen-dō) | ||
1167 | Year 2 of Nin’an era | Hidehira pays tribute by proxy to a Shinto priest for Karita Horyo Shrine in Otakayama, Shibata-gun TAIRA Kiyomori becomes Daijo Daijin (chief minister of the government). The heyday of the Taira’s begins (~1184). | ||
1169 | Year 1 of Kao era | Emperor Go-Shirakawa “Ryōjin Hishō” (Songs to Make the Dust Dance on the Beams) | ||
1170 | Year 2 of Kao | May Hidehira is conferred to fifth rank and is appointed as Chinjufu Shogun. | ||
1174 | Year 4 of Joan era | Around this time, MINAMOTO Yoshitsune escapes to Kuruma-dera Temple, then retires to Hiraizumi. | ||
1175 | Year 1 of Angen era | Hidehira has copies of sutras made dedicated to his dead father (Motohira). | ||
1177 | Year 1 of Jisho era | Hidehira and wife construct Amitabha Hall in Kōzō-ji Temple (according to temple records). | ||
1180 | Year 4 of Jisho era | January
TAIRA Shigehira burns Tōdai-ji, Kōfuku-ji Temples June Transfer of capital to Fukuhara. MINAMOTO Yoritomo goes to war at Ise. October Yoshitsune leaves Oshu, meets Yoritomo. | ||
1181 | Year 1 of Yowa era | Intercalary February
TAIRA Kiyomori dies. August Hidehira is conferred to fifth rank and is appointed as Governor of Mutsu. | ||
1182 | Year 1 of Juei era | April Yoritomo conducts the secret rites for Hidehira’s exorcism at Enoshima. | ||
1183 | Year 2 of Juei | July KISO Yoshinaka goes to the capital. The Taira clan falls. | ||
1184 | Year 1 of Genryaku era | February Battle of Ichi-no-Tani.
Around this time, Hidehira erects Muryōkō-in. June Yoritomo presents 1,000 ryo and Hidehira 5,000 ryo as gilding charges for the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji Temple. | ||
1185 | Year 1 of Bunji era | February Battle of Yashima March Taira clan falls at Dan-no-ura. MINAMOTO Yoritomo and Yoshitsune do not allow entrance to Kamakura. November Yoshitsune leaves Kyoto. Yoshitsune is given an order to leave as punishment. | ||
1186 | Year 2 of Bunji | April Hidehira cooperates with MINAMOTO Yoritomo and pays tribute to the capital by way of Kamakura. August Saigyo goes to aid in Hiraizumi for solicitation of funds for gold for Tōdai-ji Temple. Sometime between autumn of this year and spring of the following year, Yoshitsune arrives in Hiraizumi. | ||
1187 | Year 3 of Bunji era | October Hidehira dies. | ||
1188 | Year 4 of Bunji era | February FUJIWARA Yasuhira and Motonari are ordered to go to Yoshitsune. October Second imperial order November Imperial order to arrest Yoshitsune given to governors of Mutsu and Dewa. | ||
1189 | Year 5 of Bunji era | Intercalary April Yoshitsune commits suicide. June Yasuhira attacks younger brother IZUMI Saburo Tadahira. July MINAMOTO Yoritomo leads army advancing to Kamakura. August Battle of Atsukashiyama FUJIWARA Kunihira dies in battle. Yoritomo enters Hiraizumi. FUJIWARA Motonari and children surrender. September Yasuhira is attacked at Nie no saku(Hinai-gun). Ōshū-Fujiwara clan falls. Hizume family surrenders. FUJIWARA Takahira surrenders. Yoritomo orders protection for temples in Hiraizumi. December Yoritomo begins construction of Eifuku-ji Temple (in Nikaido). | ||
1190 | Year 1 of Kenkyu era | January Battle of Okawakaneto occurs in Mutsu and Dewa. November Yoritomo proceeds to the capital for palace visit. |
1192 | Year 3 of Kenkyu era | the Kamakura period | July MINAMOTO Yoritomo becomes Sei-i Tai Shogun (Generalissimo). |
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1195 | Year 6 of Kenkyu era | September Yoritomo orders both Oshu Magistrates KASAI Kiyoshige and ISAWA Iekage to repair the Hiraizumi temple tower. | |
1213 | Year 1 of Kenpo era | HOJO Masako believes that she sees a ghost in her dreams leading to a resove to repair the Hiraizumi temple tower. | |
1219 | Year 1 of Jōkyū era | MINAMOTO Sanetomo is assassinated. | |
1220 | Year 2 of Jōkyū era | Jien “Gukansho” | |
1221 | Year 3 of Jōkyū era | Jōkyū War Hojo Regency established. | |
1226 | Year 2 of Karoku era | Mōtsū-ji (Enryu-ji and Kashō-ji Temples) is burned. | |
1274 | Year 11 of Bun’ei era | Mongol invasions of Japan (Battles of Bun’ei and Koan) ~1281 | |
1288 | Year 1 of Sho’o | The sheltering hall for the Konjikidō at Chūson-ji is constructed by the Kamakura government. | |
1304 | Year 2 of Kagen | The Kamakura government repairs the Kyōzō at Chūson-ji. | |
1318 | Year 2 of Bumpo era | The “Hone-dera Shoen Diagram” (in Chūson-ji’s Kyōzō collection) is created around this time. |
1334 | Year 1 of Kemmu era | Southern and Northern Dynasties | Emporer Go-daigo, New government of Kemmu |
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1336 | Year 3 of Kemmu | KITABADAKE Akiie in Hiraizumi as Chinjufu Shogun Transciption of “Chūson-ji Kuyo Ganbun” | |
1337 | Year 4 of Kemmu | Great halls of Chūson-ji are burned due to wildfires (Chūson-ji Bonshō) | |
1343 | Year 2 of Koei era | Chūson-ji Bonshō (Buddhist bell) cast. Benefactor is ISHIDO Yoshifusa, general at Hokucho. | |
1355 | Year 4 of Bunwa era | Maizuru of Kanjizaiō-in installs Japanese pagoda (iron tower) on the island in the pond. |
1392 | Year 3 of Meitoku era | the Muromachi and Azuchi-Momoyama periods | Unification of Nanboku-chō (Meitoku Peace Settlement) |
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1397 | Year 4 of Oei | ASHIKAGGA Yoshimitsu erects “Kinkaku” at Rokuon-ji Temple. | |
1467 | Year 1 of Onin | War of Onin (~77) | |
1490 | Year 2 of Entoku | Great halls at Takkoku Saiko-ji are burned (temple records) | |
1571 | Year 2 of Genki era | ODA Nobunaga, Enryaku-ji Temple burned down | |
1573 | Year 4 of Genki era | Kanjizaiō-in and Mōtsū-ji Great Halls are lost to fire due to war. | |
1590 | Year 18 of Tensho era | TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi unifies nation. Kasai and Osaki clans collapse under Oshu Shioki (execution) | |
1591 | Year 19 of Tensho era | Hiraizumi region is ruled by DATA Masamune. | |
1592 | Year 1 of Bunroku era | Japanese invasions of Korea (~98). Great Halls of Takkoku Saiko-ji Temple are burned down in the same year. | |
1597 | Year 2 of Keicho era | The Mōtsū-ji Jōgyō-dō and Hoke-dō are lost to wildfires (temple records). | |
1598 | Year 3 of Keicho era | A number of Chūson-ji sutras are removed, including “Issai-kyō Sutra written in gold and silver on dark blue paper.” | |
1600 | Year 5 of Keicho era | Battle of Sekigahara |
1618 | Year 4 of Genna era | the Edo period | DATE Masamune surverys historic sites of Hiraizumi. |
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1641 | Year 18 of Ken’ei era | Land is surveyed by Sendai Clan (protection of temple territories). | |
1665 | Year 5 of Kanbun era | Chūson-ji, Mōtsū-ji, Takkoku Saiko-ji, Toei Zanwanei-ji become branch temples. | |
1683 | Year 3 of Tenwa era | DATE Tsunamura erects Gikei-do at Takadate. | |
1689 | Year 2 of Genroku era | MATSUO Basho visits Hiraizumi (“Oku no Hoso Michi”). | |
1695 | Year 8 of Genroku era | DATE Tsunamura orders prohibition of removing foundation stones from Hiraizumi sites. | |
1699 | Year 12 of Genroku era | Konjikidō is repaired by Sendai clan. | |
1701 | Year 14 of Genroku era | Ako incident | |
1719 | Year 4 of Kyoho era | SAKUMA Yoshikazu “Ou Kanseki Monroshi” | |
1728 | Year 13 of Kyoho era | Mōtsū-ji’s Jōgyō-dō is rebuilt. | |
1730 | Year 15 of Kyoho era | A grave marker for FUJIWARA Motohira’s wife is erected at the Kanjizaiō-in site. | |
1760 | Year 10 of Horeki era | AIHARA Tomonao “Hiraizumi Kyuseki Shi” | |
1769 | Year 6 of Meiwa era | Priest Yaryo (nephew of MATSUO Basho), erects “Natsu Kusa” marker (located at main temple at the time). | |
1772 | Year 1 of An’ei era | TABAN Marefumi “Honai Fudoki” | |
1775 | Year 4 of An’ei era | Hiraizumi submits “Fudoki Goyoshoshutu” to Sendai clan. | |
1780 | Year 9 of An’ei era | AIHARA Tomonao, “Hiraizumi Zakki.” | |
1786 | Year 6 of Temmei era | SUGAE Masumi visits Hiraizumi and records details of the Hatsukayasai Festival (“Kusumu Komagata”). | |
1808 | Year 5 of Bunka era | Gikeido is rebuilt. | |
1849 | Year 2 of Kaei era | Hakusan Shrine and Hall of Worship (Noh stage) are lost to fire (rebuilt in 1853). |
1868 | Year 1 of Meiji Era | Meiji | Meiji Revolution |
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1870 | Year 3 of Meiji | Chūson-ji, Mōtsū-ji, Takkoku Saiko-ji, become directly controlled branch temples of Mt. Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple. | |
1871 | Year 4 of Meiji era | May 23 Proclamation by the Grand Council of State on Preservation of Antiquities and Relics July 14 Abolition of the han system | |
1875 | Year 8 of Meiji | October 17 Merger of villages Hiraizumi, Takadate and Takkoku become Hiraizumi Village, and Chūson-ji and Togouchi become Kinutome Village. | |
1876 | Year 9 of Meiji era | July 4 Emperor Meiji tours Tohoku Imperial visit to Takadate and Chūson-ji | |
1883 | Year 16 of Meiji era | January Kinutome divides and is renamed, becoming Chūson-ji and Togouchi villages | |
1888 | Year 21 of Meiji era | April 17 Municipality System proclaimed TAKAHIRA Mafuji “Hiraizumi Shi” | |
1889 | Year 22 of Meiji era | April 1 Two villages from Higashi-Iwai, Kojima and Osabe merge to become Nagashima, and three from Nishi-Iwai, Chūson-ji, Togouchi and Hiraizumi merge to become Hiraizumi. | |
1894 | Year 27 of Meiji era | First Sino-Japanese War (~95) | |
1897 | Year 30 of Meiji era | June 10 Law for the Preservation of Old Shrines and Temples proclaimed December 28 The Konjikidō of Chūson-ji is designated “Building Under Special Protection.” | |
1900 | Year 33 of Meiji era | August Mōtsū-ji Main Temple constructed | |
1904 | Year 37 of Meiji era | Russo-Japanese War (~05) | |
1909 | Year 41 of Meiji era | April 23 The Kyōzō is designated “Building Under Special Protection.” | |
1909 | Year 42 of Meiji era | The Main Hall of Chūson-ji is rebuilt. Arts and crafts of Chūson-ji are surveyed by KURODA Hoshin (Arts and Crafts). |
1914 | Year 3 of Taisho era | Taisho | World War I (~1918) |
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1917 | Year 6 of Taisho era | April 5 The Sheltering Hall of the Konjikidō is designated “Building Under Special Protection.” | |
1919 | Year 8 of Taisho era | April 10 Historical Spot, Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument Preservation Law proclaimed | |
1921 | Year 10 of Taisho era | The gate of the former Ichinoseki Clan lord Tamura is removed and reconstructed to Mōtsū-ji. | |
1922 | Year 11 of Taisho | October 12 Site of Shinto shrine on Mōtsū-ji site and Muryōkō-in Ato are designated Historic Sites. | |
1923 | Year 12 of Taisho era | Great Kanto Earthquake | |
1924 | Year 13 of Taisho era | The Office of the Geographer from the Ministry of Home Affairs conducts surveys of Hiraizumi sites. During the same year, the Mōtsū-ji Reiho-date (currently known as Kansando Hall) is constructed. | |
1925 | Year 14 of Taisho era | 800 year anniversary of Shogun FUJIWARA Kiyohira |
1929 | Year 4 of Showa | Showa (pre-war) | March 28 Law for the Preservation of National Treasures proclaimed. July 1 The Konjikidō, Kyōzō, and Sheltering Hall at Chūson-ji are designated National Treasures. Summer the same year, Tokyo University Professor FUJISHIMA Gaijiro conducts measurement surveys of Hiraizumi sites. October 24 The Great Depression (~1933) |
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1930 | Year 5 of Showa era | Excavation survey of Mōtsū-ji site is conducted at the request of the Preservation Section of The Religions Bureau of the Ministry of Education (the first archaeological survey of Hiraizumi). The Sutra Mound on Mt. Kinkeisan is excavated (non-academic excavation). That same year, archaeologist ODASHIMA Rokuro surveys Hiraizumi sites. | |
1931 | Year 6 of Showa era | Major repairs to the Konjikidō and Kyōzō are completed. | |
1933 | Year 8 of Showa era | April 1 The Law Relating to the Preservation of Important Fine Arts is proclaimed. | |
1934 | Year 9 of Showa era | The Takadate Bridge is built (first wooden bridge). | |
1936 | Year 11 of Showa Era | 750 year anniversary of Lord FUJIWARA Hidehira | |
1939 | Year 14 of Showa era | World War II (~1945) | |
1945 | Year 20 of Showa era | August 10 US Carrier based aircraft hold air raid and 45 buildings in front of Hiraizumi station are burned down. November 16 The United Nations and UNESCO charters are adopted. |
1946 | Year 21 of Showa era | Showa (post war) | Takkoku Saiko-ji, Iwaya Bishamon-do, and others are lost to fire. |
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1947 | Year 22 of Showa era | September 15 Typhoon Kathleen | |
1948 | Year 23 of Showa era | June 16 Hiraizumi Tourism Association established September 16 Typhoon Ione | |
1949 | Year 24 of Showa era | January 26 The Kondo of Horyu-ji burns down. Murals are lost to fire. | |
1950 | Year 25 of Showa era | March 22 An academic survey of the Konjikidō of Chūson-ji and Four Generations of Fujiwara is conducted through March 31. April 1 The 1100 year anniversary, of the opening of Chūson-ji and Mōtsū-ji, Ou-Fujiwara Festival, is held through Ocober 31. May 30 The Cultural Properties Protection Law proclaimed. In that same year, the Iwate Board of Education conducts excavation survey of the Hanadate site with the new construction of Hiraizumi Junior School. | |
1951 | Year 26 of Showa era | June 9 The Konjikidō of Chūson-ji is designated Class 1 National Treasure Building in accordance with the Cultural Properties Protection Law. | |
1952 | Year 27 of Showa era | October The Cultural Properties Protection Committee (currently the Agency for Cultural Affairs) conducts excavation survey of Muryōkō-in Ato. November 22 Remains of site of Shinto shrine on Mōtsū-ji site are designated Special Historic Site. | |
1953 | Year 28 of Showa era | October 1 Hiraizumi is incorporated. | |
1954 | Year 29 of Showa era | Dr. FUJISHIMA Gaijiro presides over Hiraizumi Site Investigating Committee and begins excavation surveys of Mōtsū-ji and Kanjizaiō-in sites. *Later, excavation surveys are conducted of Chūson-ji grounds, the Yanagigosho site and many other important sites. | |
1955 | Year 30 of Showa era | March 24 Muryōkō-in Ato is designated Special Historic Site. April 15 Hiraizumi and Nagashima villages merge. May 3 The Chūson-ji “Sankozo” Museum is completed. | |
1956 | Year 31 of Showa era | May 1 The 800 year anniversary festival for Lord FUJIWARA Motohira is held through May 6. | |
1957 | Year 32 of Showa era | November 12 Mōtsū-ji Gardens are designated Place of Natural Beauty. | |
1958 | Year 33 of Showa era | This year, Chūson-ji is promoted to special temple status and becomes the main temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in Tohoku. The tradition of the everlasting light of Buddhism is passed from Enryaku-ji Temple. | |
1959 | Year 34 of Showa era | April 14 The Hiraizumi-cho Tourism Association is established (replacing the former Hiraizumi Tourism Association). May 1 The 850 Anniversary Festival for the construction of the Konjikidō is held through May 31. May 23 The Mōtsū-ji Gardens are designated as a Special Place of Natural Beauty (two special designations along with Special Historic Site). The Hiraizumi Site Investigating Committee begins excavation surveys of the Chūson-ji grounds (~1968). | |
1960 | Year 35 of Showa era | January 20 Rebuilding of Takadate and Eikyu Bridges is completed. May 3 The 770 year anniversary festival of Priest Saigyo in Chūson-ji July 18 The Hiraizumi Tourism Association begins guide services. | |
1961 | Year 36 of Showa era | May 1 The 900 year anniversary of the birth of Kiyohira On the same day, the celebration of completion of Takkoku Saiko-ji Temple and Iwaya Bishamon-do is held. | |
1962 | Year 37 of Showa era | October 7 Commencement Ceremony for Repairs of Konjikidō (Major repairs of Showa ~1968). | |
1963 | Year 38 of Showa era | April 1 Chūson-ji Sakashita Parking Area begins operations. May 1 1100 year anniversary Buddhist service for Founder and Priest Jikaku May 2 Ceremony for Moving Remains at Konjikidō | |
1964 | Year 39 of Showa era | September 25 Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay passes through Chūson-ji Sakashita Relay Station | |
1965 | Year 40 of Showa era | May 1 Tenth anniversary of merger after municipality system May 3 Memorial service for completion of the new Sheltering Hall of Konjikidō at Chūson-ji August 16 Daimoji Fire Festival on Mt. Tabashine is held (becomes regular event). November 2 Iwate Tourism Development Agency comletes “Kaisantei.” | |
1966 | Year 41 of Showa era | March 27 A thousand cheery trees are planted on Mt. Tabashine and Mt. Komagata during Nishi-Iwai Tree Planting Festival. May 2 Takadate protection work is completed. May NHK’s historical drama, “Minamoto Yoshitsune” draws 200,000 to Fujiwara Festival. June 28 Hiraizumi Citizen Charter is enacted. November 1 Completion of new Hiraizumi Station | |
1967 | Year 42 of Showa era | October 22 Framework completion ceremony for the Konjikidō of Chūson-ji November 2 Tabashina Industry Development Road (Tabashina Gold Line) opens. | |
1968 | Year 43 of Showa era | May 1 Ceremony for completion of the Konjikidō at Chūson-ji (dismantling and repairs completed). November 1 FUJISHIMA Gaijiro Ceremony for Recognition as Outstanding Citizen | |
1969 | Year 44 of Showa era | November 4 Hiraizumi Site Investigating Committee begins excavation survey of Yanagigosho site. Gikeido is transferred in conjunction with flood control work at Takadate cliff’s precipice. | |
1970 | Year 45 of Showa era | September 26 Iwate Sports Meet Torch is lit from Eternal Flame of Chūson-ji. October 14 The Konjikidō of Chūson-ji is visited by the Emperor and Empress. Mōtsū-ji becomes special temple of Tendai Sect. | |
1971 | Year 46 of Showa | May 22 Mt. Tabashine fire | |
1972 | Year 47 of Showa | Maintenance work begins on Kanjizaiō-in site (~1977). November 16 The 17th UNESCO General Meeting adopts the “Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.” | |
1973 | Year 48 of Showa | July 28 Municipal parking lot for Mōtsū-ji completed. November 1 Ceremony on 20th anniversary of town merger | |
1974 | Year 49 of Showa | February 8 Tohoku Shinkansen’s “Tabashine Tunnel” opens. | |
1975 | Year 50 of Showa era | June 28 National Route 4, Ichinoseki Bypass opens. November 4 Tohoku Expressway, “Hiraizumi Tunnel” opens. | |
1976 | Year 51 of Showa | April 2 Celebration for opening Hiraizumi Junior High School | |
1977 | Year 52 of Showa era | April 1 Hiraizumi Cultural Properties Center is established. May 4 Inauguration ceremony for maintenance of Kanjizaiō-in site May 17 Ennen Dance of Mōtsū-ji designated as Important Intangible Folk Culture Property November 19 Tohoku Expressway between Ichinoseki and Morioka opens. | |
1978 | Year 53 of Showa | April 1 Mōtsū-ji Cultural Assets Repository opens. June 12 Miyakiken-oki Earthquake, Intensity 4 August 14 Bonfire Noh begins at Chūson-ji (becomes an annual event). | |
1979 | Year 54 of Showa era | Maintenance work on Mōtsū-ji Gardens begins. May 22 Chūson-ji grounds are designated as Special Historic Site. | |
1980 | Year 55 of Showa era | March 24 Grand Commemoration for 850 Year Anniversary of Death of FUJIWARA Kiyohira held through November 10. | |
1982 | Year 57 of Showa | May 20 Sister City agreement is concluded with Tabata, Wakayama. June 23 Tohoku Shinkansen open (between Morioka and Omiya). | |
1983 | Year 58 of Showa era | Excavation surveys along with maintenance of Mōtsū-ji Gardens reveal remnants of a watering system. | |
1984 | Year 59 of Showa era | Tetsuju (in Mōtsū-ji Sente-in’s collection) is designated Important Cultural Property. | |
1985 | Year 60 of Showa era | April 1 Hiraizumi Citizen Charter is revised. Official town flower, bird and tree are decided. April 22 Ceremony for opening Mōtsū-ji Gardens watering site. November 1 Ceremony on 30th anniversary of town merger | |
1986 | Year 61 of Showa era | April 20 Special Commemoration of 800 years of Lord FUJIWARA Hidehira, Lord MINAMOTO Yoshitsune and Musashibō Benkei. May 18 Gokusui no En is held in Mōtsū-ji Gardens (becomes an annual event). | |
1987 | Year 62 of Showa era | May 21 Hiraizumi Cultural Properties Hall is opened (former Hiraizumi Cultural Properties Center). 4April 30 Hiraizumi Town Hall | |
1988 | Year 63 of Showa era | Large scale excavation survey of Yanagigosho site begins (~1993). |
1989 | Year 1 of Heisei era | Heisei | May 13 “Oku no Hoso Michi,” 300 years of Basho celebration until October 12. June 11 Celebration to open the new main temple of Mōtsū-ji. |
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1990 | Year 2 of Heisei | April 22 Celebration of improvements for preservation facility (new Sheltering Hall) for the Konjikidō of Chūson-ji | |
1992 | Year 4 of Heisei era | April 29 “Land of Gold / Zipangu Hiraizumi Festival” begins through November 3. June National Diet approves Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and in September Japan becomes 128th signatory nation. December 14 The Hiraizumi Site Excavation Survey Leadership Committee determines the Yanaginogosho site to have been the site of the Hiraizumi-no-tachi site. Maintenance work on Mōtsū-ji Gardens is completed. | |
1993 | Year 5 of Heisei era | July 4 NHK historical drama, “Homura Tatsu” begins broadcast through March the following year. November The Ministry of Construction (current Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport) plans route is changed for “Kitakami River Flood Prevention and National Route 4 Hiraizumi Bypass.” Preservation of Yanaginogosho site is determined. | |
1995 | Year 7 of Heisei era | January 17 Han‐Shin Awaji Earthquake disaster April 30 Yomigaere Ogon Hiraizumi Festival begins and runs through November 30. October Ceremony on 40th anniversary of town merger | |
1997 | Year 9 of Heisei era | March 5 Yanaginogosho site is designated as Historic Site. *Please see the listings on pages 15 ~ 18 of this book for later designations. July 1 Celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Konjikidō of Chūson-ji being designated a National Treasure starts and runs through November 10th. | |
1999 | Year 11 of Heisei era | July 24 The Hiraizumi UNESCO Association is formed. November 11 The Yanaginogosho Museum opens. Part of the National Route 4 Hiraizumi Bypass opens. | |
2000 | Year 12 of Heisei era | March 24 Celebration of opening of new Chūson-ji Sankozo Museum. Celebration of 1150th anniversary of Chūson-ji and Mōtsū-ji founding. July 23 The town holds a Year 2000 event through November 30. November 17 “Hiraizumi Cultural Property” is registered on the World Heritage Provisional List. | |
2001 | Year 13 of Heisei era | August 26 Celebration of 1200th anniversary of opening of Takkoku Saiko-ji. Buddhist service for the opening of the Main Hall December 21 New Takadate Bridge opens. | |
2002 | Year 14 of Heisei era | July 15 Hiraizumi’s Honorable Citizen, FUJISHIMA Gaijiro dies at age 103. | |
2003 | Year 15 of Heisei | May 26 South Sanriku Earthquake, intensity of low 6. | |
2005 | Year 17 of Heisei era | 1January 9 NHK historical drama, “Yoshitsune” begins broadcast through December. May 3 The spring Fujiwara Festival and Minamoto Yoshitsune Higashi-kudari Parade attracks 250,000 tourists. October 1 Hiraizumi designates landscape administration body. October 15 Ceremony on 50th anniversary of town merger. | |
2006 | Year 18 of Heisei era | April 16 Buddhist service commemorating 850 years after death of Lord FUJIWARA Motohira. | |
2008 | Year 20 of Heisei era | June 14 Iwate–Miyagi Nairiku earthquake, intensity of strong 5. June 21 Service to pray for Konjikidō registration. July 7 “Hiraizumi Cultural Property” World Heritage registration postponed (Canada, local time July 6). July 24 Earthquake with epicenter on northern coast of Iwate, intensity of strong 5. | |
2009 | Year 21 of Heisei era | April 14 Hiraizumi Cultural Properties Center opens (improvements to former Hiraizumi Kyodo Hall). | |
2010 | Year 22 of Heisei era | June 12 Citizens hold service at Konjikidō to pray for registration. June 28 Hiraizumi and China’s Tiantai County conclude Friendship and Exchange Agreement. | |
2011 | Year 23 of Heisei era | 3月11日 東日本大震災 大津波 東京電力福島原子力発電所事故 震度5強 余震最大6弱 June 29 The 35th World Heritage Committee decides on registration for “Hiraizumi.” Service at Konjikidō for Hiraizumi World Heritage Site registration and recovery for Tohoku. September 24 Hiraizumi Recovery – Jodo-no-Kaze 2011 opens through the 25th. November 8 Ceremony held to commemorate Hiraizumi World Heritage Site Registration. | |
2012 | Year 24 of Heisei era | February 13 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs holds ceremony for accepting World Heritage Certificate. |