How to Use for Genealogy Research
Japanese Buddhist temples maintained “kakochō” (death registers) under the Edo-period terauke (danka) system, recording births, deaths, and marriages for each affiliated household. Kakochō are the most important genealogical sources predating the koseki system, often containing ancestor information from the mid-Edo period (17th–19th centuries).
Key genealogy uses:
- Identify the sect and location of the danna-dera (family temple) to which ancestors were affiliated
- Request access to or copies of the kakochō (at the temple’s discretion)
- Estimate an ancestor’s era and status from their kaimyō (posthumous Buddhist name)
Structure of a typical kaimyō (posthumous name):
- In-gō (〜院): Prestigious title given to high-status individuals
- Dōgō (2 characters): Reflects relationship with the teacher/sect
- Kaimyō proper (2 characters): Core posthumous name
- I-gō (〜koji/daishi/shinji/shinnyo, etc.): Indicates gender and social status
Sect Overview
Jōdo Shinshū Honganji-ha, founded by Shinran Shonin, is one of the largest Buddhist sects in Japan with approximately 10,400 temples nationwide. The head temple is Nishi Honganji (Ryūkoku-zan Honganji) in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto.
Posthumous Name (Hōmyō) Features
Jōdo Shinshū uses “hōmyō” (dharma name) rather than “kaimyō.” The standard format is “Shaku ○○” (male) or “Shakuni ○○” (female)—a two-character dharma name preceded by “Shaku.” An in-gō may be added. There is no i-gō (koji/daishi suffix).
Head Temple Location
Horikawa-dori Hanaya-cho Sagaru, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
