Rokumon-sen: The Six Coins for the Afterlife
If you travel through Nagano Prefecture, particularly around Ueda City, you will see a distinct symbol repeated everywhere: six circles arranged in two rows of three. This is the Rokumon-sen (六文銭), the famous crest of the Sanada clan. While it serves as a cool aesthetic for history buffs and anime fans today, its origins are rooted in a solemn acceptance of death and the Buddhist afterlife.
To understand the Rokumon-sen is to understand the heart of the Samurai spirit: the resolve to die at any moment without regret. In this guide, we explore the history, the legend, and where travelers can find traces of this iconic emblem today.
Origins of the Six Coins
To the modern eye, the design looks like simple geometry. However, historically, these represent six copper coins. In the currency system of Feudal Japan, a “Mon” was a denomination of currency.
During the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States Period), the Sanada clan adopted this design as their Kamon (family crest). The clan, most notably led by the brilliant strategist Sanada Masayuki and the legendary warrior Sanada Yukimura (Nobushige), became feared across Japan. But why put money on a flag of war? The answer lies not in greed, but in funeral rites.
The Legend: Crossing the Sanzu River
The symbolism of the Rokumon-sen comes directly from Japanese Buddhist beliefs regarding the afterlife.
According to tradition, when a person dies, their soul must cross the Sanzu River (Sanzu-no-kawa), often compared to the River Styx in Greek mythology. This river marks the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead. To cross safely, the deceased must pay a toll to the ferryman or the crone waiting at the bank.
The cost of this passage was traditionally set at six mon (rokumon).
Because of this belief, it became a custom to place six copper coins in the casket of the deceased during funeral rites. This ensured the spirit would not be stranded on the riverbank, wandering as a lost ghost.
By emblazoning these six funeral coins on their battle flags and armor, the Sanada warriors were sending a powerful message to both their enemies and themselves: “We are already dead.”
They carried their funeral toll with them into battle, signifying that they were ready to die at any moment. They did not expect to return home. This philosophy made them incredibly dangerous opponents, as they fought with the ferocity of men who had nothing left to lose.
Modern Culture and Legacy
Today, the Rokumon-sen is a symbol of resilience, tactical brilliance, and undying loyalty. The Sanada clan’s last stand at the Siege of Osaka (1614–1615), where Sanada Yukimura charged into the heart of the enemy army, cemented the six coins as an icon of the “tragic hero.”
Pop Culture
In modern Japan, the Rokumon-sen appears frequently in pop culture. It is prominently featured in video games like Samurai Warriors (Sengoku Musou) and Sengoku Basara, where Sanada Yukimura is often a main protagonist depicted wearing the six coins. The NHK Taiga Drama Sanada Maru also revitalized interest in the symbol, causing a tourism boom in Nagano.
Traveler’s Tips: Tracing the Sanada Lineage
If you want to experience the legacy of the Rokumon-sen firsthand, you must visit Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture. Here are the top recommendations for travelers:
- Ueda Castle Park: The ruins of the castle built by Sanada Masayuki. While the main keep is gone, the turrets and gates remain. In spring, the contrast between the cherry blossoms and the red Rokumon-sen flags is breathtaking.
- Sanada Shrine: Located within the castle grounds, this shrine is dedicated to the Sanada leaders. It is a popular spot for students praying for success in exams (channeling the strategic wisdom of the Sanada).
- Local Merchandise: Look for Tenugui (hand towels), keychains, and even sake cups bearing the six coins. The red armor aesthetic is everywhere.
- Dainichido Temple: Located near the Sanada clan’s ancestral home, this area offers a quieter, more spiritual look at the history of the family before they became legends.
Pro Tip: Visit during the Ueda Sanada Festival in April. Hundreds of locals dress in red samurai armor emblazoned with the Rokumon-sen, parading through the streets in a reenactment of the clan’s historical processions.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in diving deeper into the history and religious context, consider exploring the following:
- Historical War Chronicles: The Tale of Osaka and various Gunki Monogatari (war tales) detail the exploits of the Sanada clan.
- Buddhist Texts: The concept of the Sanzu River is derived from Japanese Pure Land Buddhism and influenced by earlier Sutras describing the geography of the underworld.
- Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): While the specific six-coin custom is medieval, the foundational concepts of the land of the dead (Yomi) can be traced back to ancient texts like the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which establish the Japanese view of the spiritual boundary between life and death.