Bathed in Taishakuten—Who is the Buddha Tora-san Loved?

I was born and raised in Shibamata, Katsushika, Tokyo. I had my first bath at Taishakuten, my surname is Kuruma, my given name is Torajiro, and people call me Tora the Wanderer.

Hearing this famous introduction, many of the older generation might recall Tora-san's friendly smile, right?
I apologize to the younger generation who might be wondering what this is all about...

This time, Tora-san's famous line got me thinking about the Buddha known as Taishakuten.

What kind of Buddha is he, anyway?
I didn't even know what he looked like, so I looked him up and interpreted him in my own way.
(I apologize if I'm wrong... please let me know in the comments.)

I was surprised by his rather ethnic appearance.
It is impressive how his facial features are so sharp.
Actually, this Buddha is one of the most powerful guardian deities in the Buddhist world.

Wait, what... what does that mean???

From Indra to Taishakuten—How the Thunder God Became a Guardian of the Dharma

The prototype of Taishakuten is the god Indra, who appears in ancient Indian Vedic mythology. He was truly the king of the gods, worshipped as a god of war who controlled thunder and brought rain.

In his right hand, he holds a weapon called a vajra. This is a weapon that symbolizes thunder and is said to have the power to crush worldly desires and evil. He is often depicted riding an elephant or a white horse, and his majestic appearance truly has the air of a 'ruler of the heavens'.

However, when Buddhism arose, this god Indra took refuge in Shakyamuni and transformed into Taishakuten, a guardian deity who protects the Buddhist Dharma. The strongest god of war was so moved by the Buddha's teachings that he became their protector—could there be a more symbolic story than this?

The King of the Heavenly Realm Living at the Summit of Mount Sumeru

In the Buddhist cosmology, a massive mountain called Mount Sumeru stands at the center of the world, and it is said that there is a heavenly realm called 'Trayastrimsa' at its summit. Taishakuten is said to live there and rule the heavenly realm from a palace called Zenkenjo.

Taishakuten commands the Four Heavenly Kings and leads thirty-three gods. However, contrary to his majestic appearance, the essence of Taishakuten in Buddhism lies in 'protection' and 'compassion'.

Although he is a god of war, he never favors violence. He protects the Dharma and watches over those who walk the righteous path. Sometimes he presents trials, and sometimes he offers a helping hand. He is like a father who is both strict and warm.

Taishakuten Loved by the Japanese—Faith Breathing in Shibamata

In Japan, Taishakuten has been cherished as a god of 'warding off evil,' 'good fortune,' and 'victory'.

Shibamata Taishakuten (Taikyoji Temple) in Katsushika, Tokyo, is famous, but the center of faith here is the 'Taishakuten Board Honzon.' It is a board said to have been carved by Nichiren Shonin himself with an image of Taishakuten, and it has gathered the faith of common people since the Edo period, who believe that 'wishes will be granted'.

Tora-san's line, 'I had my first bath at Taishakuten,' is not just an introduction of a place name. I believe it contains Tora-san's philosophy of life: that he was raised under the watchful eye of the guardian deity Taishakuten, meaning he 'lived protected by the kindness of others'.

Tora-san was clumsy and full of failures. But he loved people and was loved by them. If Taishakuten was the one watching over that way of life, there could be no more fitting Buddha.

Taishakuten and Us Living in the Modern Age

The core of Taishakuten's teaching is that one can be a god of war while never forgetting compassion.

Modern society is a constant series of competitions. Whether in our work or our personal relationships, we are always fighting something. However, Taishakuten teaches us that strength is not just about winning.

Protecting, watching over, and sometimes reaching out a hand are also forms of strength.

Conclusion—What Tora-san and Taishakuten Taught Us

“Bathed in the first water at Taishakuten”—this phrase holds a deep meaning.

People cannot live alone. We live by being protected by someone and by protecting someone else. Even if we feel embarrassed or fail, we stand up again.
Perhaps Tora-san was teaching us that through his films?

The reason Tora-san continues to be loved is likely because his clumsiness and kindness are reflections of ourselves.
And perhaps Taishakuten, who watched over Tora-san, is watching over us even now.

It has become a place I want to visit when I go to Tokyo.
If you have been there, I would appreciate it if you could share your recommendations or experiences in the comments.
Thank you for staying with me until the end.