A Display Of A Historical Samurai Load, Shingen Takeda, at Hachioji Station

This is a display of a famous historical Samurai Lord from the 16th century. His name is Shingen Takeda who ruled Koushu State which is now Yamanashi Prefecture. He is one of the most popular Samurai Lords during the Warring States Period of Japan because he was a great commander, and his troopers were known as the strongest troopers at the time.

His battles motto, which his troopers always carried on their flags, is also famous written in four Kanji characters (Chinese characters) as "風林火山 (Fu Rin Ka Zan)". It means "Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain" and it is an abbreviation of "As quick as a wind, as quiet as a forest, as aggressive as a fire, and as stable as a mountain".

However, unfortunately he collapsed by a sickness on the road to unite Japan under his sway, and although his son took over, they were conquered by a Samurai Lord named Nobunaga Oda who later united Japan.

This display was temporarily at Hachioji station located in west edge of Tokyo. It may seem there is no connection between the Samurai Lord in Yamanashi prefecture and Hachioji in West Tokyo, but actually there is a big connection. 

One of the oldest national roads, "Koshu-Kaido (Koshu Rd.)" connects Hachioji and Yamanashi prefecture. After the Takeda troopers were defeated, one of Takeda Shingen's daughters named Princess Matsu reached Hachioji as the consequence of her runaway trip. She settled in Hachioji and became a Buddhist nun. Historical records indicate that she established a temple and dedicated her time to the development of Hachioji by teaching techniques of producing silk fabrics. She was loved by the locals and had a peaceful life until she died.

This year 2016 is the 400th anniversary of her death. In this month there will be events held at her temple "Shinsho-in Temple" located in Hachioji.