Special official shrine - Bekkaku Kanpeisha

In 1871 (Meiji 4), the system of shrine rankings was established under the idea that "shrines are the national anthem," and Kanpei-sha (shrines sponsored by the government) were designated as one of these. Minatogawa Shrine, founded the following year, was designated as a special Kanpei-sha (shrine sponsored by the government), and the number of such shrines gradually increased, to a total of 28. They were treated similarly to Kanpei-shosha (minor Kanpei-sha). The deities enshrined at these shrines were characterized as being people of high rank who had made distinguished contributions to the nation and were widely revered by the people. Yasukuni Shrine was one of these.

[Mure Hitoshi]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

1871年（明治4）神社の社格制度が「神社は国家の宗祀(そうし)」という理念の下に整備され、その一つとして官幣社が定められたが、翌72年に創建された湊川(みなとがわ)神社は別格官幣社とされ、以降逐次増加し、計28社あった。官幣小社に準じて待遇された。祭神は、国家的見地からみて功労があり、広く国民からの崇敬を受けている人臣であることが特徴であった。靖国(やすくに)神社もその一つであった。

［牟禮　仁］

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