COLUMN COLUMN

The Henro

The Henro

The Shikoku region in Japan’s southwest is comprised of the four prefectures, Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime and Kagawa Prefectures.

A pilgrimage that involves walking around 88 sacred sites, referred to as the Henro, has flourished in this region since ancient times. This pilgrimage traces the footsteps of Kukai (Koubou Daishi), the monk who promulgated the Shingon sect of Buddhism in ninth century Japan.

The Henro has various purposes today including praying for happiness in the next world for someone who has passed away, praying for good health, or achieving good fortune. A Kongozue (pilgrim’s staff), Sugegasa (a sedge hat), and Byakue (white robes) are the traditional dress for the pilgrimage.

The word "ninin" written on the sedge hat that pilgrims carry refers to a pilgrim and Koubou Daishi, meaning that the pilgrim is making the Henro with Koubou Daishi.

In Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku, is the JGSDF Camp Zentsuji. At this post are the 14th Brigade Headquarters, the 15th Rapid Deployment Regiment, the 14th Logistic Support Unit, the 14th Reconnaissance Unit, the 14th Signal Unit, the 14th NBC-defense Unit, the 14th Brigade Headquaters Support Unit, and the 14th Band. The 14th Brigade Headquarters takes charge of disaster relief dispatch and defense of the four prefectures of Shikoku.

  • back
  • next