The Legacy of the Kamakura Period
You can still see aspects of the Kamakura period, alive today, that influence and exist in modern Japan.
In this first Samurai rulers period, some unique cultures which affect Japan today were developed. For example, you can find that Japanese nationality stems from Samurai spirits which developed in this Kamakura time. Also, modern Buddhism which Japanese nowadays have faith in was established in this period.
Many people in the world say that Japanese people are hard workers. The Japanese expression “Isshou-kenmei” emphasises the Japanese spirit of hard work. It literally translates to “to do something very hard”.
“Isshou-Kenmei（一生懸命 one-living-devote-life）” is commonly used in daily life. For example, when people join a new workplace, they might say “I will work Issho-kenmei! Nice to meet you.” Or when young athletes might say “I will play football Issho-kenmei ”
In fact, this word came from the Samurai spirit of the Kamakura period. It was originally Issho-Kenmei（一所懸命 one-place-devote-life). Samurai devoted their lives to protect the lands which were given to them by their Daimyo or Shogun, as a favour or inherited from their ancestors. The Samurai developed a culture of loyalty and honour that was often carried to extremes to return their lord’s favour.
Landmarks of the Kamakura period
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu was established by Minamoto Yoriyoshi (源 頼義, 988-1075) in 1063. He built a power base for the Minamoto warrior clan after the suppression of a rebellion started by rebels in North-Eastern Japan in 1051.
He returned to Kamakura and built a small shrine for the Hachiman kami (the Japanese word for Shinto deities) near the coast to give thanks for success in suppressing the rebellion. The Hachiman kami was regarded as the protector kami of the warrior class.
The statue is commonly known as Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Kamakura), a colossal copper image of Amida-butsu (Amitabha Buddha), is the principle image of Kotoku-in. The fact that it sits in the open air makes it unusual amongst large Buddha statues in Japan.
The Great Buddha is designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government, it is 11.3 meters tall and weighs around 121 tons. Though in size it falls short of the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple at Nara (an image of Rushana-butsu [Vairochana Buddha]), it has essentially retained its original form; and as such, it is an invaluable example of Japanese historical Buddhist art.
Around 1300 years ago, two sculptors carved two Kannon statues out of a sacred tree. One of them was enshrined here at Hasedera in Kamakura. It is commonly called “Eleven-headed Kannon” since it has eleven heads on top of its own head. It measures 9.18 meters tall and this makes it one of the largest wooden Buddhist statues in Japan.
Hesedera temple resides on a mountain called “Kannon-zan”. The ground holds a large variety of flowers which bloom throughout the year welcoming visitors. Additionally, the scenic view from the observation platform on the upper ground is recognized as one of the most picturesque spots in Kamakura.
