Muza-chan's Gate to Japan

Soga Brothers Shrine and Story

Wed, December 29, 2010, by Muza-chan
Besides the traditions related to the New Year, in Japan there are also several Kabuki plays which are traditionally played on New Year, adaptations after the Tale of the Soga Brothers (Soga Monogatari).
Soga Monogatari, written by an anonymous writer, tells a real story from 800 years ago: Kudo Saemon Suketsune, in order to get an inheritance, killed his cousin, Kozu Saburo Sukemichi.
18 years later, the two sons of Sukemichi, Juro and Goro, revenged the death of their father by killing Suketsune during a hunting party.
Juro was killed during the fight, while Goro was condemned and executed.

The story was very popular during the Edo period, many people admiring the courage and the loyalty of the two brothers.
More recently, in 1993, this small shrine was built, dedicated to their spirits:

Soga Brothers Shrine, Hakone
EXIF info:

Nikon D90
Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G
Focal Length: 28mm
Aperture: F/4.5
Shutter Speed: 1/30s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 500


Popular searches:

# Sakura, cherry blossoms

# Kyoto travel

# Japanese trains

# Travel tips for visiting Japan

# Japanese castles

# Night time photos from Japan

# Tokyo travel

# Traditional Japanese house


  •  Home
  •  Featured articles
  •  A Japan photo per day
  •  Japan travel
  •  Japanese customs & traditions
  •  Japanese food
  •  Japanese history
  •  Anime & otaku
  •  Did you know? Japan facts
  •  About Muza-chan