KAMAKURA was the ancient Japanese capital. Compact and ideal for walking. This small seaside city attracts large numbers of tourists who come to see the zen temples and shinto shrines scattered across the city.
The most important shinto shrine in Kamakura is Hachiman Jinja. HACHIMAN is the shinto god of war. In shinto legend he saved Japan from invasion at least 3 times by sending a powerful divine wind known as the ‘KAMIKAZE’ which destroyed the invading armies before they reached Japan. Kami-Kaze translates to “God-Wind”. During the Second World War, Japanese ‘Kamikaze’ fighter pilots took their name from this divine wind.
Kamakura is packed with religious symbolism. The MITSU-TOMOE is a common symbol found in many shrines around Kamakura including the Hachiman shrine. Mitsu–tomoe (meaning “three-commas”) is a symbol made up of three commas which swirl into each other. Imagine a three-fold version of the Chinese yin-yang symbol.
The number 3 is represented symbolically in many religious traditions. It represents the cycle of life: birth, growth, death. Or maybe heaven, earth, and man. The origin of the Mitsu-tomoe is shrouded in mystery. I’ve heard it said the symbol originally represented a child curled up in the womb. It’s also used as a symbol of power and heritage and often as a family crest. Walking the streets of Kamakura I found the symbol on temples, gates, and festival clothing. It’s everywhere in Kamakura.
* Kamakura, Japan. 15/09/14. iPhone 5c
