Ise Jingu’s 63rd Rebuilding Cycle Begins: Tradition Meets Artistry

In a remarkable display of cultural continuity, the Ise Jingu, Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine, has commenced its 63rd reconstruction cycle. This time-honored tradition, which spans over 1,300 years, involves dismantling the shrine and rebuilding it anew every 20 years. The current project, which began this year, is expected to take about nine years and will cost approximately $390 million.

The endeavor demands the expertise of Japan’s finest carpenters, woodcutters, and artisans, all dedicated to ensuring that even the smallest details reflect centuries of craftsmanship. As the construction progresses, the workers invoke the spirits of tradition, declaring, “A building for 1,000 years! 10,000 years! A million years and forever!”

Historical Significance and Rituals

The rebuilding of Ise Jingu not only reflects architectural mastery but also deep cultural and spiritual significance. A total of 125 shrine buildings will be constructed anew, alongside more than 1,500 garments and ritual items. This practice has been meticulously documented since 690 AD, during the reign of Empress Jitō, according to Noboru Okada, a professor emeritus at Kogakkan University and an expert in Japanese history and archaeology.

The rituals surrounding the rebuilding include 33 accompanying festivals, culminating in a significant ceremony in 2033 that will see the shrine’s principal deity, the sun goddess Amaterasu, transferred to the new structure.

Connection to Nature and Community

The process begins with priests dressed in ceremonial robes performing prayers and rituals. Okada explains that the separation between the human realm and nature is fundamental in Shinto beliefs, requiring permission from mountain deities before trees are felled.

Thousands gather to witness the ceremonies, part of the 7 million pilgrims who visit Ise Jingu annually. The shrine serves as a vital spiritual center for Shinto practitioners, who believe in the presence of thousands of “kami,” or spirits, in nature.

First-time visitor Yuto Nakase expressed his awe, stating, “You can count with one hand the number of times you’ll witness something like this in your lifetime, so I really felt it was a rare and precious sight.”

As the rebuilding progresses, the community’s involvement is palpable. Local woodcutters in Nagano Prefecture perform rituals to honor the trees that will be used in construction, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and respect for nature. Soju Ikeda, who leads a lumber company, underscores the spiritual connection, saying, “It honors the continuity of a tree’s life and is a prayer for the regeneration of the forest.”

The logs are transported to the shrine in a ceremonial procession, with locals singing traditional songs as they carry the heavy timber through the narrow streets of Ise.

Visitors often comment on the shrine’s profound atmosphere. Yoriko Maeda, a local sake shop owner, described the transformation she feels upon entering the shrine grounds. “My breathing changes. It really feels different. … There’s a kind of depth there that makes it a very comforting and pleasant space,” she shared.

The rebuilding of Ise Jingu, with its intricate rituals and community involvement, represents more than the physical construction of a shrine; it is a testament to the enduring relationship between tradition, nature, and the people of Japan. The cyclical nature of this project ensures that the spirit of Ise Jingu will continue to thrive for generations to come.

The Associated Press, in collaboration with The Conversation US and with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., covers the ongoing significance of this cultural phenomenon.