Kiyosu Shrine Visit Report 2025 No.1 Inari Shrine
Inari Shrine in Kamijo, Kiyosu — A Quiet Guardian in Akira Toriyama’s Hometown
On November 7, before visiting a business partner in Kiyosu City, I visited a small local shrine known as the Kamijo Inari Shrine, standing quietly beside the apartment building Avenir Maison in Kamijo 2-chome. The shrine sits deep within a residential street, where the torii gate, stone lanterns (tōrō), and komainu guardian dogs blend naturally into daily life.
Kiyosu is famous as the hometown of Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball. It is said that the peaceful countryside setting of Penguin Village was inspired by this area. At that time the region was still called Kiyosu Town, which later merged with nearby municipalities in 2005 to become Kiyosu City.
In the soft evening light, the torii, komainu statues, and weathered stone lanterns glowed warmly—an atmosphere that feels surprisingly close to the gentle world of Toriyama’s manga. In this neighborhood, the Kamijo Inari Shrine continues to serve as a spiritual anchor and local guardian.
From Village Shrine to Residential Guardian
Historically, the Kamijo area was a farming village on the outskirts of old Kiyosu Castle Town. In such places, Inari worship was central to prayers for abundant harvests, household safety, and prosperity. A small Inari shrine like the one in Kamijo would have been the heart of village life.
In 1872, during nationwide Shinto reforms, the Inari Shrine in Kamijo was designated as a village shrine, solidifying its position as the community’s main place of worship.
From the 1880s to early 1900s, government-led shrine consolidation brought many smaller altars and roadside shrines together. The Kamijo Inari Shrine inherited the role of unifying these local traditions.
During the 20th century, rapid urbanization converted farmland into residential districts. Today, the shrine remains surrounded by houses and narrow streets, yet it continues to be revered as a protector of everyday life.
Timeline of the Kamijo Inari Shrine
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1872 | The Kamijo Inari Shrine is designated as a village shrine during nationwide Shinto reforms. |
| 1880s–1900s | Shrine consolidation merges smaller roadside shrines and household altars. The remaining Inari Shrine becomes the central guardian of the area. |
| 1920s–1990s | Urban development surrounds the shrine with residential neighborhoods. It remains an enduring protector of daily life. |
| 2000s–Present | Inari shrines—over tens of thousands nationwide—continue to serve as Japan’s most widespread form of local worship. |
Deities Enshrined at Kamijo Inari Shrine
The Kamijo Inari Shrine primarily worships Ukanomitama-no-Kami, but Inari faith traditionally includes multiple deities connected to food, prosperity, protection, and community life. Fox statues (kitsune) serve as sacred messengers.
| Deity | Reading | Role and Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Ukanomitama-no-Kami | Uka-no-mitama | Main deity of Inari faith; associated with grain, prosperity, and household safety. |
| Ōnamuchi-no-Kami | Onamuchi | Guardian of industry, healing, and community well-being; sometimes co-enshrined with Inari. |
| Satahiko-no-Kami | Satahiko | Deity of guidance, safe travel, and opening paths—worshipped when beginning new endeavors. |
| Ukemochi-no-Kami | Ukemochi | Goddess of food, agriculture, and nourishment; regarded as a close counterpart to Ukanomitama. |
| Ōmiyanome-no-Kami | Omiyanome | Goddess of ritual, festivals, and performing arts; protector of communal harmony. |
| Byakko (Sacred Fox) | White Fox | Messenger of Inari; symbolizes wisdom, prosperity, and safe delivery of prayers. |
A Small Shrine Connecting Local Life and Manga Heritage
Kiyosu is a city where history, daily life, and pop culture blend naturally. As the hometown of Akira Toriyama and the inspiration for Penguin Village, it holds a unique cultural atmosphere. Within this setting, the Kamijo Inari Shrine stands quietly beside Maison, offering protection as a modest yet meaningful spiritual landmark. Its torii gate, komainu, and stone lanterns continue to embody the everyday traditions and warm community spirit of the neighborhood.
