On January 8, 2024, the Shingon sect's highest esoteric Buddhist ritual, ''Goshichinichi Mishiho,'' which prays for the peace and security of the country, began at Toji Temple (Kio Gokokuji Temple) in Minami Ward, Kyoto City. High-ranking priests from various sects will hold a seven-day memorial service in hopes of bringing an end to the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
It was past noon on this day, and monks, including the head priest of Zentsuji Temple (Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture), who served as the Daiajari and the head priest of the Zentsuji school, were parading around the grounds of the dojo ''Kanjoin''. Inside the dojo, a secret prayer was immediately held to pray for the peace of the country and the end of the earthquake. Prior to the memorial service, an imperial envoy from the Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office (Kamigyo Ward) visited and delivered the Emperor's robes.
''Goshichinichi Mishiho'' has its origins in the New Year's events in the imperial court that were started by Kukai, the founder of the Shingon sect, in 835 during the Heian period. After the Meiji Restoration, it ceased to exist due to the ''Haibutsukishaku'' which is a movement to abolish Buddhism in the Meiji period, but was revived at Toji Temple in 1883. The name comes from the fact that Shinto rituals were held from January 1st to 7th, and Buddhist services were held from January 8th to 14th.
Since 2021, measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, such as limiting the number of attendees, but this year the event has returned to the traditional format for the first time in four years.
