National Treasure Kunozan Toshogu Shrine Nighttime Special Viewing and Sightseeing - IRODORI - "Light of the Desolate Landscape Praying for Peace"

Kunozantoshogu, Shizuoka, Japan, 2026

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine laid the foundation for an era of peace.

This is the first Toshogu shrine in Japan dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

I was in charge of the light art again this year.

This year's theme is "The Light of the Baku Praying for Peace."

When I first visited Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, I was struck by the carving of a tapir on the main gate.

I pictured the minions running around and playing in the deserted temple grounds at night.

According to legend, the Mo is a mythical beast that feeds on iron and copper.

They are considered a symbol of peace because they "eat metals that are used to make weapons."

The idea that when war breaks out, metal is used in weapons and people lose their food supply

It contains the teachings of "coexist with nature" and "maintain peace."

In light of the current global situation, there is a growing demand for and hope for peace.

For a long period of 400 years,

In this place where prayers for peace have been passed down through generations.

I deeply feel the significance of shining a light.

Lord Ieyasu is known as "Toshō Daigongen," a being who "illuminates" us.

The core idea behind our activities is:

Like Lord Ieyasu, I hope for universal peace throughout the world.

I shared in the wishes of Lord Ieyasu,

Visualized using a modern expression different from that of the time of its creation.

I tried to expand it.

(The Moks who escaped from the main gate will appear all over the temple grounds, so please try to find them!)

When looking at something beautiful,

When we experience something, it's less likely that we'll develop a competitive spirit.

The peace of mind and body of each individual,

Ultimately, I believe this will lead to a peaceful life and a peaceful world.

When you stand in a field of ever-changing light,

You might be able to see and experience the world from a different perspective than your everyday life.

And then, it begins to add color to everyday life.

May the gentle light and tranquility that blossoms within those who visit continue quietly.

And I hope that this will become a big wave and spread far and wide.

[Event Overview] National Treasure Kunozan Toshogu Shrine Nighttime Special Sightseeing - IRODORI -

[Venue] Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, 390 Negoya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture

[Event Period] September 19th (Sat) - November 29th (Sun), 2026

[September/October] Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

[November] Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays *No events on October 17th and November 22nd-23rd due to the Toshogu Shrine rituals. [Web site] https://www.toshogu-lightup.com/

<Organizers> Shizuoka Railway Co., Ltd., Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

<Co-sponsored by> Shizuoka Shimbun and Shizuoka Broadcasting

<Supported by> Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association, Suruga Planning and Tourism Bureau, Shizuoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry

<Cooperation> Japan Hirakunozan Tourism Association, Shizuoka City Hotel and Ryokan Cooperative Association, JR Central, ELEMENTS, YuruMaru*YouRuMaru, PHYCHO69, Hiroto Kida