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
Shingon Shū is the esoteric Buddhism tradition introduced from Tang China by Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi). It has split into many branches; the major head temples are listed below.
| Branch | Head Temple | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Kōyasan Shingon Shū | Kongōbuji | 132 Kōyasan, Kōya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama |
| Shingon Shū Chizan-ha | Chishakuin | 964 Higashikawara-machi, Higashiyama, Kyoto |
| Shingon Shū Buzan-ha | Hasedera | 731-1 Hase, Sakurai, Nara |
| Tōji Shingon Shū | Tōji (Kyōōgokokuji) | 1 Kujōmachi, Minami Ward, Kyoto |
| Shingon Shū Omuro-ha | Ninnaji | 33 Omuro-Ouchi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto |
| Shingon Shū Daigo-ha | Daigoji | 22 Daigo-Higashiōjimachi, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto |
| Shingon Shū Zentsūji-ha | Zentsūji | 3-3-1 Zentsūjimachi, Zentsūji, Kagawa |
| Shingon Ritsu Shū | Saidaiji | 1-1-5 Saidaiji Shibamachi, Nara |
Kaimyō Features
Shingon kaimyō format: (In-gō) + (Yo-gō or sect-specific prefix) + Kaimyō (2 chars) + I-gō. Esoteric or Sanskrit-derived kanji are sometimes used.
