A sacred treasure unveiling at the mecca of Mingei, where Sōetsu Yanagi once stayed. The "Mushi-boshi Hōe" ceremony at Jōtōji Betsuin Zendoku-ji Temple in Jōhana, Toyama.
At Jōhana Betsuin Zendoku-ji Temple in Toyama, the annual "Mushi-boshi Hōe" ceremony is held.
Jōhana Betsuin Zendoku-ji Temple is said to be a renowned temple with approximately 550 years of history, housing an estimated 10,000 treasures. During this year's "Mushi-boshi Hōe," about 500 of these items will be displayed within the temple grounds, offering a rare opportunity to closely admire valuable treasures such as items associated with feudal lords like the Maeda clan and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, as well as works of art, crafts, and Buddhist artifacts.
During the event, in addition to the treasure exhibition, there will be "E-toki" (picture storytelling) depicting the lives of Honen Shonin and Prince Shotoku, a "Banzume Taikai" (strength competition), and the offering of Zendoku-ji's special "Saba-zushi" (mackerel sushi), a favorite of both Yanagi and Munakata.
Furthermore, Jōhana Betsuin Zendoku-ji Temple is also a "sacred site of Mingei" where Sōetsu Yanagi, the founder of the "Mingei Movement" (Japanese folk craft movement), stayed for 62 days, and works by Mingei artists such as Shiko Munakata and Shoji Hamada are also exhibited.
To coincide with the "Mushi-boshi Hōe," tours are also offered to experience the local culture of Toyama, including a viewing with explanations by monks and a visit to "Kōtoku-ji Temple," where Shiko Munakata first evacuated. Why not take this opportunity to visit the "Mushi-boshi Hōe," a true hidden gem?
Exhibition design by lighting designer Kaoru Mende and architectural design firm Goritsubun
At the "Mushi-boshi Hōe," the spatial design, including display stands and signage, is handled by "Goritsubun," a firm based in Toyama and Tokyo, while the lighting design is by "Lighting Planners Associates (LPA)," led by Kaoru Mende, a leading lighting designer in Japan. This is another highlight.
Left: "Shikishi Wasan," the world's oldest bound book, which inspired Sōetsu Yanagi.
Right: A scene from the "Mushi-boshi Hōe" tour with explanations by monks (2021).
■ Jōhana Betsuin Zendoku-ji Temple "Mushi-boshi Hōe"
Date: Saturday, July 22 - Friday, July 28, 2023
Treasures on display: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Jōhana Betsuin Zendoku-ji Temple (405 Jōhana, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture)
Organizer: Shinshu Otani-ha Jōhana Betsuin Zendoku-ji Temple
■ A Journey to Explore the "Mushi-boshi Hōe" at the Renowned Jōhana Betsuin Zendoku-ji Temple and the Virtues of Toyama
【Saturday, July 22】
Visit to "Kōtoku-ji Temple," exhibiting world folk crafts including works by Shiko Munakata.
Talk by Koji Ota, Director of the Japan Folk Crafts Museum and head priest of Daifuku-ji Temple.
【Sunday, July 23】
Visit to the workshop of "Matsui Kogyo," a Jōhana silk weaving company.
Lunch at Zendoku-ji Temple (includes the famous Saba-zushi).
Viewing of "Mushi-boshi Hōe" and a mini-tour of Zendoku-ji Temple.
Price: ¥14,500 for both days / ¥6,000 for July 22 only / ¥8,500 for July 23 only.
Art hotel "Rakudoan" accommodation plan: from ¥62,000
URL:https://mizutotakumi.jp/
Jōhana Betsuin Zendoku-ji Temple
Address: 405 Jōhana, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture
URL:http://www.zentokuji.jp/
Mizu to Takumi Co., Ltd.
https://mizutotakumi.jp/