JAPAN
Exonumia
Ezeni
"Naritasan Shinshoji Temple E-sen"
Charm Coin
(pre-1990)
⛩️ Naritasan Shinshoji Temple ⛩️
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is the head temple (Daihonzan) of the Chizan branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. It is one of Japan's most famous Buddhist temples dedicated to Fudō Myōō (Acala), the Wisdom King, and attracts more than ten million visitors each year. It is also one of Japan's most popular destinations for New Year's visits.
History
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple was founded in 940 AD during the Heian period.
At that time, the Taira no Masakado Rebellion threatened the imperial government. Emperor Suzaku ordered the eminent Buddhist priest Kanchō Daisōjō to pray for peace. Kanchō brought with him a sacred statue of Fudō Myōō, traditionally believed to have been carved and consecrated by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai) himself, and performed a 21-day Goma fire ritual in Narita.
On the final day of the prayers, the rebellion was successfully suppressed. This was regarded as a miracle brought about by the spiritual power of Fudō Myōō.
According to tradition, when Kanchō attempted to return to Kyoto, the sacred statue would not move. This was interpreted as the deity's wish to remain in Narita and continue saving people. Emperor Suzaku then granted the temple the name "Shinshoji" (Temple of the New Victory), commemorating the newly won peace.
Principal Deity
The temple's principal image is Fudō Myōō (Acala).
The statue is traditionally believed to have been carved and consecrated by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Affectionately known as "Narita no Ofudō-sama," it has been worshipped for centuries by people seeking protection and blessings.
Fudō Myōō is revered as a guardian deity who grants protection from misfortune, safety in travel, success in business, family well-being, and many other blessings.
Prosperity During the Edo Period
Naritasan flourished during the Edo period (1603–1868).
Its popularity grew through degaichō, special exhibitions in which the sacred image was taken to Edo (present-day Tokyo) for public worship. The temple's fame spread even further when the celebrated Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō I performed plays featuring Fudō Myōō.
Because of this close connection, the Ichikawa family continues to use "Naritaya" as its traditional stage guild name (yagō) to this day.
Highlights
The temple grounds contain many historically significant buildings, including:
• Great Main Hall – The center of worship, where Goma fire rituals are performed daily.
• Niōmon Gate – An Important Cultural Property built during the Edo period.
• Three-Story Pagoda – Built in 1712 and renowned for its elaborate decorative carvings.
• Shakadō Hall – The former main hall dating from the Edo period and designated an Important Cultural Property.
• Kōmyōdō Hall – Built in 1701 and also designated an Important Cultural Property.
• Great Pagoda of Peace – A modern pagoda completed in 1984, standing approximately 58 meters (190 feet) tall.
• Naritasan Park – A spacious Japanese garden covering approximately 165,000 square meters, famous for its seasonal beauty, including plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and autumn foliage.
Blessings
Naritasan Shinshoji is especially well known for prayers seeking:
• Protection from misfortune
• Protection from disasters
• Family safety
• Business prosperity
• Traffic safety
• Good fortune
• Good health
• Academic success
The temple's daily Goma fire ritual symbolizes the wisdom of Fudō Myōō, whose sacred flames are believed to burn away worldly desires and misfortune while helping devotees fulfill their wishes.
Summary
Founded in 940 AD, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is one of the most important temples of the Chizan branch of Shingon Buddhism. Dedicated to the revered Fudō Myōō, traditionally believed to have been carved by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), it has long been one of Japan's foremost centers of worship for protection, good fortune, and spiritual purification. Its deep historical ties with the Kabuki world and its magnificent temple buildings continue to make it one of Japan's most celebrated and widely visited sacred sites.
⛩️ Japanese E-sen (Charm Coins) ⛩️
What Are Japanese E-sen?
E-sen (絵銭), literally meaning "picture coins," are coin-shaped objects that were produced mainly during Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). Although they resemble genuine coins such as Kan'ei Tsuho, most were not intended for use as currency. Instead, they were made as lucky charms, religious offerings, commemorative pieces, or decorative objects.
Today, E-sen are highly appreciated by collectors for their artistic designs, historical significance, and cultural value.
Characteristics
Unlike official coins, E-sen often feature elaborate designs and symbolic imagery. Common characteristics include:
• Dragons, phoenixes, cranes, turtles, and other auspicious animals
• Buddhist and Shinto religious motifs
• The Twelve Zodiac animals
• Historical figures and scenes from Japanese folklore
• Various center-hole shapes, including square, round, and floral forms
• Made from bronze, brass, iron, lead, and other metals
Because they were produced by many different craftsmen and local workshops, countless design variations exist.
Main Types of E-sen
1. Lucky Charm E-sen
The most common type, these pieces were created to bring good fortune, prosperity, happiness, and protection.
Popular designs include:
• Dragons
• Phoenixes
• The Seven Lucky Gods
• Treasure Ships
• The Lucky Mallet
• Cranes and Turtles
2. Temple and Shrine E-sen
These E-sen were distributed by Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines as commemorative or protective charms. They served as souvenirs of pilgrimage and symbols of religious devotion.
3. Zodiac E-sen
Featuring the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac, these charms were believed to bring good luck and protection. They remain one of the most popular categories among collectors today.
4. Daikoku and Ebisu E-sen
These pieces depict Daikoku, the god of wealth, and Ebisu, the god of commerce and fishermen. They were especially popular among merchants as symbols of business success and prosperity.
5. Horse E-sen
Horse-themed E-sen were associated with safe travel, military success, and strength. Numerous regional varieties exist.
6. Puzzle (Rebus) E-sen
These fascinating pieces combine pictures and wordplay to create visual riddles. Some of their meanings remain unsolved even today, making them especially intriguing to collectors.
Why Were E-sen Made?
During the Edo period, coins became an essential part of everyday life. As a result, people began creating coin-shaped objects for purposes other than commerce, including:
• Good-luck charms
• Religious offerings
• Souvenirs
• Children's toys
• Commemorative gifts
In many ways, they can be compared to modern commemorative medals or lucky tokens.
E-sen Continue to Be Made Today
Although most E-sen were produced during the Edo period, the tradition has continued into the present day. Japanese temples, shrines, and private mints still produce E-sen as commemorative pieces, lucky charms, and souvenirs for visitors.
Modern E-sen are often issued to commemorate temple anniversaries, local festivals, historical events, and other cultural occasions. While they are not intended to circulate as money, they preserve the artistic spirit and symbolism of traditional E-sen.
As a result, E-sen are not simply historical artifacts—they remain a living tradition in Japan. Collectors can appreciate not only antique Edo-period examples but also beautifully crafted modern issues that continue this unique numismatic heritage.
Popularity Among Collectors
E-sen are one of the most diverse fields of Japanese numismatics. Because they were produced independently by numerous local craftsmen rather than by the government, many varieties are extremely rare.
Collectors value E-sen for their:
• Wide variety of designs
• Regional uniqueness
• Artistic beauty
• Historical and cultural significance
Rare temple issues, large-sized E-sen, and unusual designs can command high prices in today's collector market.
Summary
Japanese E-sen are coin-shaped charms and commemorative pieces produced primarily during the Edo period, although the tradition continues today. While they resemble genuine coins, they were generally not intended to circulate as money. Instead, they served as lucky charms, religious objects, souvenirs, and decorative pieces. Featuring an extraordinary variety of artistic designs—including dragons, the Seven Lucky Gods, zodiac animals, and religious motifs—E-sen represent one of the richest and most fascinating fields of Japanese numismatics. Their continued production by temples, shrines, and private mints ensures that this unique tradition remains an important part of Japan's cultural heritage.
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