The Shirataki-hime Statue and Master Doll Maker Kamehachi Yasumoto
One of the most remarkable features of Orihime Shrine is its sacred image: a life-size standing statue of Shirataki-hime, the legendary woman associated with the origins of Kiryu’s weaving tradition.
A restoration and research project conducted in 2000 revealed that the statue was created by Kamehachi Yasumoto, a renowned doll maker active from the final years of the Edo period through the Meiji period.
A Master of “Living Dolls”
Yasumoto was highly regarded for his iki-ningyo, or “living dolls.” These highly realistic figures were made with remarkably detailed expressions and physical features, creating an appearance that could seem almost lifelike.
The Shirataki-hime statue demonstrates the exceptional craftsmanship for which Yasumoto was known. When the statue was displayed to the public, it attracted considerable attention as both a religious object and an example of traditional Japanese sculptural craftsmanship.
The Former Orihime Shrine and the Memory of Modern Industry
Near the present shrine stands the remains of the former Orihime Shrine, which was originally built within the grounds of the Nihon Orimono Company.
Established during the Meiji period, the shrine was created to pray for the prosperity and continued development of the company. Today, its remaining structures and monuments provide a valuable connection to Kiryu’s modern industrial history.
Looking at these historic remains, visitors can imagine the textile factories that once filled the surrounding area, including the distinctive sawtooth-roof factory buildings designed to make effective use of natural light. The site offers a glimpse into the energetic textile industry that helped transform Kiryu during Japan’s modernization.
Shirataki Shrine and the Legend of Shirataki-hime
To understand the deeper roots of Kiryu’s textile culture, it is important to visit Shirataki Shrine in Kawauchi. The shrine is closely associated with the legend of Shirataki-hime, who is said to have brought weaving and silk-related knowledge from Kyoto to the Kiryu area.
According to local tradition, a man from the ancient province of Kozuke traveled to Kyoto to serve at the imperial court many centuries ago. There, he met Shirataki-hime, a court lady serving in the imperial household. The two eventually returned to his homeland together.
Shirataki-hime is said to have taught local people techniques for silkworm cultivation and weaving. These skills gradually spread throughout the region and became part of the textile culture that later developed into the famous Kiryu-ori tradition.
Mysterious Features of Shirataki Shrine
Shirataki Shrine also preserves several fascinating legends. One of them concerns a huge sacred stone known as Korin-seki, or the “Stone of Divine Descent.”
According to local folklore, people once believed that the sound of a loom could be heard by placing an ear against the stone. The mysterious story creates a symbolic connection between the shrine, Shirataki-hime, and Kiryu’s long history of weaving.
Behind the main sanctuary stands a magnificent Japanese zelkova tree believed to be more than 300 years old. Surrounded by the quiet forest, the ancient tree adds to the shrine’s solemn atmosphere.
Shirataki Shrine Daidai Kagura
Shirataki Shrine is also home to Shirataki Shrine Daidai Kagura, a traditional form of sacred dance and music designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kiryu City.
The performance preserves numerous masks dating from the Edo period and is accompanied by traditional drums and flutes. The dancers move to the rhythm of the music in performances that are both dignified and energetic.
Although the tradition faced a period of decline after World War II, local volunteers worked to revive it by learning from older members of the community. Today, a preservation society continues to pass the art on to future generations.
When the kagura is performed, the sound of drums and flutes provides a vivid connection with Kiryu’s traditional culture, history, and religious heritage.
Exploring Kiryu, the Historic City of Textiles
Orihime Shrine and Shirataki Shrine represent two important chapters in the story of Kiryu’s textile culture. Visiting both sites allows travelers to trace a fascinating historical journey—from legends surrounding the origins of weaving to the growth of a modern textile industry during the Meiji period.
Throughout Kiryu, visitors can also find historic monuments, public facilities, traditional buildings, and former industrial sites that preserve memories of the city’s textile heritage. Walking through the city provides an opportunity to discover how weaving influenced not only local industry but also the everyday lives and beliefs of its people.
A Journey Through Kiryu’s Textile Story
For travelers interested in Japanese history, traditional crafts, and local culture, Orihime Shrine offers a distinctive perspective on Kiryu. The life-size statue of Shirataki-hime connects the shrine with an enduring local legend, while the remains of the former shrine evoke the city’s transformation into an important modern textile center.
Visiting Orihime Shrine together with Shirataki Shrine creates a deeper understanding of the relationship between silk, weaving, faith, craftsmanship, and community in Kiryu.
As you stand quietly within these historic shrine grounds, surrounded by trees and traces of the city’s textile past, you may find yourself imagining the rhythmic sound of looms that once filled Kiryu. These peaceful places offer a memorable way to experience the cultural heritage of a city that has lived alongside weaving for centuries.