Enshrined Deities
Heads of the Shimadzu clan and their family members
logo-mark-01

Enshrined Deities

The heads of each generation of the Shimadzu family are enshrined here along with their family members. 

Shinto rites are still performed here today by members of the Shimadzu family to pay respects to their ancestors and pray for the prosperity and wellbeing of the people of Kagoshima. 

logo-mark-01

Historical Heads of the Shimadzu Clan

After being granted control of a land holding called Shimadzu in Southern Kyushu by Minamoto no Yoritomo, Koremune Tadahisa took the name Shimadzu and became the protector of the three domains of Satsuma, Osumi, and Hyuga.

His descendants, the Shimadzu clan, watched over the land and people of Kagoshima for over 700 years from the Kamakura period (1185-1333) until the end of the Edo period (1603-1868).

1179-1227
1st Generation
Shimadzu Tadahisa
1202-1272
2nd Generation
Shimadzu Tadatoki
1225-1284
3rd Generation
Shimadzu Hisatsune
1251-1325
4th Generation
Shimadzu Tadamune
1269-1363
5th Generation
Shimadzu Sadahisa
1325-1375
6th Generation (1)
Shimadzu Morohisa
1328-1397
6th Generation (2)
Shimadzu Ujihisa
1347-1407
7th Generation (1)
Shimadzu Korehisa
1363-1411
7th Generation (2)
Shimadzu Motohisa
1375-1425
8th Generation
Shimadzu Hisatoyo
1403-1470
9th Generation
Shimadzu Tadakuni
1432-1474
10th Generation
Shimadzu Tatsuhisa
1463-1508
11th Generation
Shimadzu Tadamasa
1489-1515
12th Generation
Shimadzu Tadaharu
1497-1519
13th Generation
Shimadzu Tadataka
1503-1573
14th Generation
Shimadzu Katsuhisa
1514-1571
15th Generation
Shimadzu Takahisa
1533-1611
16th Generation
Shimadzu Yoshihisa
1535-1619
17th Generation
Shimadzu Yoshihiro
1576-1638
18th Generation
Shimadzu Iehisa
1616-1694
19th Generation
Shimadzu Mitsuhisa
1650-1704
20th Generation
Shimadzu Tsunataka
1675-1747
21st Generation
Shimadzu Yoshitaka
1701-1760
22nd Generation
Shimadzu Tsugutoyo
1728-1749
23rd Generation
Shimadzu Munenobu
1729-1755
24th Generation
Shimadzu Shigetoshi
1745-1833
25th Generation
Shimadzu Shigehide
1773-1841
26th Generation
Shimadzu Narinobu
1791-1859
27th Generation
Shimadzu Narioki
1809-1858
28th Generation
Shimadzu Nariakira
1840-1896
29th Generation
Shimadzu Tadayoshi
1886-1968
30th Generation
Shimadzu Tadashige
1912-1996
31st Generation
Shimadzu Tadahide
logo-mark-01

Princess Kameju

持明院統
Artwork: Nagano Tsuyoshi / Shoko Shuseikan Collection

Alongside brave warriors and inspirational leaders, the beautiful and sagacious Princess Kameju is also venerated here. Born as daughter of the 16th head of the Shimadzu family, Yoshihisa in 1571, Kameju was said to be very kind and was much loved by the people of Kagoshima. 

When Kameju died she took the name Buddhist name Jimyo-in, and even today is affectionately referred to as Jime-saa by the people of Kagoshima. It is said that visitors to Tsurugane Shrine will be blessed with her beauty, and each year a ceremony called Jimyo-sai is held where women gather to pray for health and beauty.

logo-mark-01

Secondary Deities

Five Senior Retainers

Five senior retainers who served the Shimadzu clan are enshrined here along with their lord. 

Forty-five Retainers Who Committed Junshi

Forty five retainers who committed ritual suicide on the death of their lord are enshrined here among the heads of the Shimadzu clan. This practice, called junshi, was common until the end of the Sengoku period. Samurai were often ordered to refrain from committing junshi, but insisted on doing so when their lord passed away, showing their utter commitment to service of their lord.