The Art of Ekibyo Taisan: Warding Off Plagues in Japan
In recent years, a specific four-character idiom appeared frequently across Japanese social media, shrine banners, and even confectionery packaging: Ekibyo Taisan (疫病退散). Literally translating to “Plague Expulsion,” this phrase represents a deep-seated cultural response to epidemics that spans over a millennium. For the cultural traveler, understanding this concept unlocks a fascinating layer of Japanese history, blending Shinto rituals, folklore monsters (yokai), and some of the country’s most spectacular festivals.
Origins: When Spirits Caused Sickness
To understand why Japan has such elaborate rituals for disease prevention, one must look at the Heian period (794–1185). In ancient Japan, microscopic viruses and bacteria were unknown. Instead, sudden outbreaks of smallpox, measles, or influenza were attributed to the supernatural. Specifically, they were believed to be the work of Goryo—vengeful spirits of aristocrats or martyrs who died explicitly holding a grudge.
The logic was spiritual rather than medical: if a powerful person died unjustly, their rage manifested as a pestilence upon the capital. To combat this, the Imperial Court did not just rely on medicine; they relied on appeasement. This gave birth to the Goryo Shinko (Goryo Faith), where rituals were performed to calm these angry spirits and transform them into protective deities. The act of Ekibyo Taisan was not just about hygiene; it was an act of cosmic diplomacy between the living and the dead.
Legend: The Prophecy of Amabie
While Shinto priests handled the high-level rituals, the common people found hope in folklore. This brought about the rise of benevolent yokai (monsters or spirits) believed to offer protection against disease. The most famous of these is the Amabie.
According to an Edo-period news sheet (kawaraban) dated to 1846, a glowing object was spotted in the sea off Higo Province (modern-day Kumamoto Prefecture). When an official investigated, a creature with long hair, a bird-like beak, and three legs emerged from the waves. It identified itself as an Amabie and delivered a prophecy: “Good harvest will continue for six years from the current year; if disease spreads, show a picture of me to those who fall ill and they will be cured.”
After delivering this message, it returned to the sea. For nearly two centuries, the Amabie remained a niche piece of folklore until the global pandemic of 2020 resurrected the legend. Suddenly, artists across Japan began drawing the beak-faced mermaid to wish for the end of the pandemic, proving that the ancient desire for Ekibyo Taisan is still very much alive.
Modern Culture: Festivals and Talismans
Today, the legacy of plague expulsion is most visible in Japan’s vibrant matsuri (festivals). The most famous example is the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, arguably Japan’s most famous festival.
The Gion Matsuri
In the year 869, Japan was suffering from a devastating pestilence. The Emperor declared that the epidemic was caused by angry spirits and ordered a ritual at the Gion Shrine (now Yasaka Shrine). Sixty-six halberds, representing the provinces of ancient Japan, were erected to welcome the gods and purify the city. This ritual evolved into the Gion Matsuri. When you see the massive, tapestry-draped floats gliding through Kyoto in July, you are witnessing a massive, living prayer for Ekibyo Taisan.
Omamori and Pop Culture
On a smaller scale, visitors to shrines today can purchase omamori (amulets) specifically designed for health and warding off evil. Modern designs have even embraced the “cute” aesthetic, featuring the Amabie or the Akabeko (a legendary red cow from Fukushima believed to ward off smallpox). Even popular anime series frequently reference these rituals, keeping the vocabulary of exorcism and purification relevant to younger generations.
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing the Culture
If you are planning a trip to Japan and wish to explore this aspect of the culture, here are a few recommendations:
- Visit Yasaka Shrine (Kyoto): As the spiritual home of the Gion Matsuri, this is the epicenter of plague expulsion history. Walk through the vermilion gates and observe the purification rituals.
- Hunt for Akabeko (Fukushima/Aizu): Visit the Aizu region to see the famous bobble-headed red cows. They make excellent souvenirs with a meaningful backstory.
- Collect Goshuin: Many shrines offer special Goshuin (calligraphy stamps) featuring stamps of Amabie or prayers for health during flu seasons.
- Respect the Rituals: If you participate in a shrine purification (using the water ladle to wash hands), remember that this act (Misogi) is the foundational step of spiritual cleanliness and warding off “impurity” or kegare.
Sources & Further Reading
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): For early accounts of pestilence and imperial responses.
- The Tale of the Heike: Mentions the concept of vengeful spirits affecting the physical world.
- Kyoto Gion Matsuri Historical Archives: Detailed records of the festival’s evolution from a purification rite to a celebration.
- Edo-period Kawaraban (Kyoto University Library Collection): Original woodblock prints depicting the Amabie.