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In the heart of Aomori Prefecture, nestled within the serene village of Shingō, lies a place that whispers tales both ancient and enigmatic. Here, amidst rolling hills and verdant forests, two modest mounds rise from the earth, each crowned with a simple wooden cross. These unassuming graves are said to be the final resting places of none other than Jesus Christ and his brother, Isukiri.
The legend, as recounted by the villagers, tells of Jesus escaping the crucifixion in Jerusalem. It was his brother, Isukiri, who took his place upon the cross, allowing Jesus to flee. His journey led him across vast lands and treacherous seas, eventually bringing him to the shores of Japan. Settling in what is now Shingō, he adopted the name Torai Taro Daitenku, married a local woman named Yumiko, and fathered three daughters. Here, he lived a humble life as a rice farmer, passing away at the venerable age of 106.
The village, once known as Herai, bears a name that some believe echoes the word "Hebrew." This, along with certain customs—such as marking a child's forehead with a cross of ink during their first outing, or the presence of the Star of David in local family crests—has fueled speculation about ancient connections between Shingō and distant lands. (intojapanwaraku.com)
Each June, the villagers gather to honor this unique heritage during the "Kirisuto Matsuri" or Christ Festival. The ceremony is conducted in the Shinto tradition, with a priest offering prayers before the graves. Following this, the community performs the "Nanyadoyara," a traditional dance accompanied by a hauntingly repetitive chant: "Nanyadoyara, Nanyado nasare no, Nanyadoyara." The origins and meaning of this chant remain a mystery, adding to the village's enigmatic allure. (nippon.com)
Adjacent to the graves stands the "Kirisuto no Sato Denshōkan," or Christ's Village Legend Museum. Within its walls, visitors can explore artifacts and documents that delve into the legend's origins, including the controversial "Takeuchi Documents." These texts, discovered in the 1930s, claim to chronicle Jesus's life in Japan, though their authenticity has been widely debated. (vill.shingo.aomori.jp)
The landscape surrounding Shingō is a tapestry of natural beauty. Dense forests give way to terraced rice fields, and the air is filled with the gentle hum of cicadas in summer and the crisp silence of snow in winter. The village's isolation has preserved its tranquility, allowing the legend to endure, untouched by the rapid modernization seen elsewhere.
Whether one views the tale as historical fact, allegorical narrative, or cultural curiosity, there's no denying the profound sense of wonder it evokes. Standing before the simple graves, one can't help but ponder the vastness of human history and the stories that weave through time, connecting distant lands and disparate peoples.
In Shingō, the past is not a distant memory but a living presence, inviting all who visit to step into a story that transcends borders and beliefs. It's a place where legend and landscape merge, offering a glimpse into a world where the extraordinary is embraced within the ordinary.