Sumiyoshi-taisha
Sumiyoshi-taisha (住吉大社) is a Shinto shrine situated in northeastern Osaka in Izumi Settsu, Japan.
History
Since the 9th century, the shrine was dedicated to a deity of navigation and even extended to waka poetry. The poetry enticed the many aristocrats and members of the imperial family. With this connection, the shrine was the location of imperial New Year events or sumo wrestling that carry on to the present day.[1]
In 1582, the Kakushiba ikki member and shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe arrived at the shrine after determining the location of the kabukimono gang leader Grave Dancer. Upon finding him alongside with two of his guards, Naoe quickly assassinated him and garnered the katana Widower's Solace from the Grave Dancer's personal effects.[2] At some point, Naoe and fellow Kakushiba ikki member Yasuke paid their respects at three of its smaller shrines.[3]