Saitama’s Koma Shrine: Legacy of Historical Ties with the Korean Peninsula

The entrance to Koma Shrine. (© Gomi Yoji)

Worshippers waiting in line to pray at the outer hall of Koma Shrine. The inner sanctuary, built in 1552, is a designated cultural property of Saitama Prefecture. (© Gomi Yoji)

Distinctive votive plaques featuring jangseung motifs. (© Gomi Yoji)

The Koma family residence, a nationally designated important cultural property. (© Gomi Yoji)

A panel listing the names of notable visitors from politics, business, and literature. (© Gomi Yoji)

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visiting Koma Shrine in September 2017. (© Jiji)

Ritual marking of children’s foreheads during the autumn festival. (Courtesy Koma Shrine)

A parade in ancient court attire. (Courtesy Koma Shrine)

Each October, the shrine grounds host performances of samulnori percussion music and other Korean-themed acts. (Courtesy Koma Shrine)

Black amulets with a three-legged crow motif. (© Gomi Yoji)

The design features of some omamori change with the seasons. (© Gomi Yoji)

Koma Fumiyasu in front of the main hall. (© Gomi Yoji)