Explore the World Heritage Site: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the Three Wise Monkeys

Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a renowned World Heritage Site, famous for its intricate carvings, including the "Three Wise Monkeys." The concept of the "Three Wise Monkeys" originates from Confucius's teachings in the Analects, where he advises his disciple Yan Hui to practice self-restraint and adhere to propriety. The teachings emphasize not seeing, hearing, speaking, or doing anything improper. In Japanese, this is translated to "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil," represented by the three monkeys. The shrine features 5,173 carvings of various sizes and themes, with the "Three Wise Monkeys" being a prominent highlight. These carvings, completed in 1636 during the early Edo period, were restored in 1952 and 2017. The artwork measures 142cm in length and 44cm in width, depicting the monkeys in poses of not hearing, not speaking, and not seeing. This artwork is believed to be created by the legendary craftsman Hidari Jingoro, although some argue that he might not have been a real historical figure, but rather a symbol of master craftsmanship. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, and is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate. After his death, he was posthumously named "Tosho Daigongen" by the imperial court, and his spirit was enshrined here. There are several Toshogu shrines across Japan, with Nikko Toshogu, Kunozan Toshogu in Shizuoka Prefecture, and Ueno Toshogu in Tokyo being the most prominent. #NikkoToshogu #ThreeWiseMonkeys #JapaneseHeritage