The God of Learning Worshiped by International Students
Sugawara no Michizane is revered as the god of learning in Japan. He was a politician and scholar during the Heian period. Michizane harmonized Confucian teachings with Japanese culture and values and played a significant role in bringing Chinese culture and knowledge to Japan. Because of this, his name is honored as a symbol of learning, education, and knowledge.
After his death, Michizane was deified and worshiped as the god of learning in Tenjin faith. Temples dedicated to him, known as Tenmangu, are places of prayer for scholars, students, and examinees, attracting many people wishing for academic success and knowledge.
People from all over Japan visit these shrines to pray for academic success and passing exams. Among them are many international students in Japan and those planning to study abroad. They often visit for purposes such as praying to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Surprisingly, there is a common bond between Sugawara no Michizane and international students.
The Spirit of “Wakon Kansai” — Michizane’s Philosophy and the Journey of International Students
A key phrase representing Sugawara no Michizane is “Wakon Kansai.” “Wakon” refers to the Japanese spirit, and “Kansai” refers to Chinese knowledge and scholarship. This phrase means actively learning from other cultures and harmonizing that knowledge with one’s own national spirit. Michizane embodied this spirit by integrating Chinese knowledge into Japanese culture.
This spirit is deeply resonant with modern international students who study abroad to contribute to their own country’s development. Those who plan to study abroad from Japan also share the significance of this philosophy.
At Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine, we continue the spirit of “Wakon Kansai” from Michizane and pray for the success and fulfillment of dreams and goals for modern international students.
Wakon Kansai
Prayers and Rituals — Benefits for Studying Abroad
Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine offers prayers and rituals for success in various exams, including entrance exams, qualifications, and job placements, so that everyone’s daily efforts can be rewarded with success. Every year on January 25th, we hold the Kankakusai and Gakushinsai festivals, where many people visit for prayers to improve their academic abilities and to pass exams. Besides these festivals, prayers for academic success and passing exams are available all year round. We also offer prayers specifically for international students, such as for passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test and the Examination for Japanese University Admission, and for safe travels abroad.
Sugawara no Michizane, the enshrined deity of Ikimi Tenmangu, devoted himself to study, passing difficult state exams, and succeeded as a politician. Due to his significant achievements, he was revered as Tenjin-sama in temple schools during the medieval period and as the god of learning by Confucian scholars and Kokugaku scholars in the early modern period. His worship has evolved over time, and even today, most people know him as the god of learning.
If you strive daily with the earnest wish to pass exams, following Michizane’s example, he will surely watch over you and bestow his divine virtue and support.
Those who receive prayers for exam success at Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine are given charms, ema plaques of Michizane, and Gokaku Ume (plum). Additionally, limited quantities of Kachiguri are also given. Please visit and pray with a sincere heart.
The Popularity and Divine Virtue of “Gokaku Ume”
“Gokaku Ume” are plums harvested from the shrine grounds, handmade and pickled by the priests, and blessed with prayers for success and fulfillment. Due to limited harvest quantities, they are given for free to those who receive prayers for exam success. They are also given as offerings to those who receive other types of prayers at the shrine. The number of “Gokaku Ume” distributed depends on the previous year’s harvest.
Previously, they were distributed to visitors during New Year’s, but due to recent low harvests, this distribution has been halted. Many people visit from afar to receive “Gokaku Ume,” believing in their effectiveness for success. We advise recipients to eat them on the morning of their exams.
The handmade “Gokaku Ume,” filled with the divine virtue of Michizane, is a must-try. Please visit and enjoy them while thinking of Michizane, who loved plums.
With All Our Heart — Ikimi Tenmangu’s Welcome to Aspiring International Students
Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine warmly welcomes international students and their families. We hope that the prayers and experiences at this sacred place will bring new light and hope to the lives of international students. The doors of Ikimi Tenmangu are open to support and guide international students on their new journeys.
生身天満宮
場所：〒622-0002 京都府南丹市園部町美園町1号67番地【googleマップ】
電話：0771-62-0535
URL：https://www.ikimi.jp