About
In the heart of Tokyo, nestled quietly among the skyscrapers of Otemachi, there is a secluded corner. This place is known as the Kubizuka of Taira no Masakado, a mysterious space where history and legend intertwine.
Taira no Masakado was a military commander in the mid-Heian period who led a rebellion in the Kanto region and declared himself the “New Emperor.” However, he was defeated by the imperial government’s punitive forces and is said to have been beheaded. His head was sent to Kyoto and put on public display, but according to legend, one night the head took flight, aiming to return to his homeland. The place where the head finally fell, exhausted, is said to be the current site of Masakado’s mound.
Around the mound, lush green trees grow thick, spreading a tranquility that makes one forget the bustle of the city. The stone monument is inscribed with “Namu Amida Butsu,” and visitors join their hands in prayer to console Masakado’s spirit. Countless blue frog figurines are lined up around the mound. This is because the word for “return” and “frog” are pronounced the same in Japanese, and the legend of Masakado’s head “returning” to his homeland has made the frog a symbol of safe return.
Numerous anecdotes related to Masakado’s vengeful spirit have been passed down at this site. After the Great Kanto Earthquake, when the Ministry of Finance built a temporary office here, it is said that those involved died one after another under mysterious circumstances. Later, after the war, when the GHQ attempted to redevelop the area, a series of accidents and sudden deaths occurred, leading to the cancellation of the plan. Because of these events, Masakado’s mound has continued to be protected with reverence.
Even in modern Tokyo, Masakado’s mound remains a special place for many people. Nearby businesses and residents have formed the “Historic Site Masakado Mound Preservation Society,” which cleans and maintains the site. It is also common to see people dedicating blue frog figurines in hopes of the safe return of overseas assignees or missing persons.
Standing quietly amid the city’s hustle and bustle, Masakado’s mound is a place where history, legend, and people’s faith are alive. Visitors here may sense the tranquility that transcends the flow of time and the presence of Masakado’s spirit.