Shiroari Kuyōtō しろあり供養塔しろありくようとう

Termite Memorial

Another curious yet revealing object at Oku-no-in is a stone monument located on the western side of the path that runs through the modern section. Most visitors will find it on the right-hand side (across from the rocket) just before they exit into the Naka-no-hashi Parking area. This monument is the "Shiroari kuyōtō," or Termite Memorial. Its presence and function say a lot about both Mt. Kōya and the Japanese attitude toward nature and death.

Beneath four large hiragana that spell out the word for termite ("shiroari") is the phrase "yasuraka ni nemure," or "rest in peace." What makes this requiem to the souls of departed termites even more remarkable is that it was erected by the Japan Termite Control Association, in other words, by the dedicated professionals who make their living by killing these wood-eating pests. According to their website, the association established this monument in 1968 as an expression of pity for the creatures whose incompatibility with human existence resulted in the regrettable need to exterminate them.

Since 1972, the monument has also served as a combined memorial to people who have rendered meritorious service to the Termite Control Association. More than 120 names have been dedicated along with their insect victims.

View of the termite memorial — View of the Termite Memorial

Elsewhere at Oku-no-in, we find examples of enemies in life who now rest peacefully before the mausoleum of Kōbō-daishi. These include rival armies in recent wars as well as ancient samurai foes. The combined memorial to termites and their exterminators is consistent with this prevailing approach to life and death as witnessed here at Mt. Kōya.

KoyaQuest

KoyaQuest

KoyaQuest

Termite Memorial

KoyaQuest

Termite Memorial

Shiroari Kuyōtō しろあり供養塔しろありくようとう

Termite Memorial

Termite Memorial