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
Tendai Shū was established by Saichō (Dengyō Daishi) after studying in Tang China. The head temple is Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei in Otsu, Shiga. Approximately 4,200 temples nationwide, with historical connections to the imperial court and Heian nobility.
Kaimyō Features
Format: (In-gō) + Kaimyō (2–4 characters) + I-gō. Posthumous names of Heian nobility and samurai often use stately classical kanji.
Head Temple Location
4220 Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu, Shiga
