Ekōin Temple: A Sanctuary of Souls and Sumo History

Ekōin Temple, formally known as Shoshūzan Muen-ji Ekō-in, is a Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple located in Ryogoku, Tokyo. This temple's history is rooted in compassion and remembrance. Founded in 1657 by the fourth Tokugawa shogun, Ietsuna, it was built to mourn over 100,000 victims of the Great Fire of Meireki, a devastating event that consumed much of Edo (old Tokyo). The temple's name reflects its core principle: to spread Amida Buddha's benevolence to all beings. Ekōin became a sanctuary for those who perished without families, including victims of natural disasters, executed criminals, and even animals. Over time, the temple has offered burial services for victims of the Ansei Great Earthquake, the Great Kanto Earthquake, and the Great Tokyo Air Raids. The temple also commemorates those who died at sea, prostitutes, stillborn children, and aborted fetuses. Beyond its role as a memorial, Ekōin Temple holds a significant place in sumo history. From 1768, the temple grounds hosted sumo tournaments, a tradition that continued for 76 years until 1909, a period known as "Ekō-in sumō". Even after the construction of the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the first modern sumo arena, Ekōin remained a spiritual home for sumo wrestlers. Today, visitors can find the Chikara-zuka, or 'Mound of Strength', erected in 1937 by the Sumo Association to honor past wrestlers. Visitors to Ekōin can explore various monuments and memorials, including the Banninzuka (Mound of a Million Souls), a monument to the victims of the Great Fire. A modern statue of the Kannon Buddha graces the site since 2002. Other notable sites include the Mizukozuka, dedicated to stillborn infants, and memorials for animals. The temple also houses the graves of notable figures such as Nezumi Kozo, a heroic robber, and ukiyo-e artists like Kyoden Santo and Kiyonaga Torii.