Kanaizawa-hi Stone Monument

Overview

The Kanaizawa-hi Stone Monument is one of the Ueno Sanpi located in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, and was erected in 726 A.D. The Ueno Sanpi, consisting of the Tagu-hi, Kanaizawa-hi, and Yamano-ue-hi monuments, are precious historical sites erected from the late 7th to early 8th centuries, conveying the history and culture of ancient eastern Japan. While the Kanaizawa-hi is the newest of the Ueno Sanpi, its construction still dates back to 726 A.D. The inscription expresses the family's happiness in their generations-long Buddhist faith, providing invaluable evidence of Buddhism's spread even to the then-remote eastern provinces. The inscription on the Kanaizawa-hi Stone Monument records the Sanke clan descendants and their relatives' devotion to Buddhism, praying for divine favor. It also sheds light on the Kokugoryoshosei system (national-provincial-county-village system), established in 701 A.D. with the Taiho Ritsuryo Code. The participation of a housewife, Iekatoji, in the ancestral rites of her birth family provides insight into family structures. To explore the Ueno Sanpi, the most convenient way is to take the Joshin Electric Railway from Takasaki Station to Yoshii Station, and then the free "Ueno Sanpi Meguri Bus." The bus follows a route encompassing the Tagu-hi and Tagu-hi Memorial Museum (with detailed explanations of the Ueno Sanpi), Yamano-ue-hi, and Kanaizawa-hi. The Kanaizawa-hi is a short walk from the bus stop. There's also ample parking available for those driving. Before visiting the Kanaizawa-hi, researching the inscription's content and historical context is highly recommended. By imagining the beliefs, daily lives, and societal conditions of the ancient people, you can fully appreciate and enjoy this valuable historical site.