Konkō Daijin

(September 29, 1814 – October 10, 1883) was the Japanese founder of Konkōkyō (the "Konko Faith"). Born a farmer in present-day Okayama Prefecture of western Japan, he experienced a divine revelation on November 15, 1859. From that time on, he devoted himself to serving , the golden Kami of Heaven and Earth.

Biography Konkō Daijin was born Kandori Genshichi (香取源七) in the village of Urami (present-day Konko Town, Asakuchi, Okayama Prefecture). He was born as the second son of a farming family, to Kandori Jūhei (香取十平) and Shimono (しもの). In 1825, he was adopted by the Kawate (川手) family and took the name Kawate Bunjirō (川手文治郎; also known as "Bunji" 文治). At age 23, he became head of the household. Following the wishes of his adoptive father Kawate Kumejirō (川手粂治郎), he changed his family name to Akazawa (赤沢), becoming known as Akazawa Bunji (赤沢文治).

Teachings and practice Konkō Daijin's central practice was toritsugi (取次) — listening to people's troubles and relaying their requests to Tenchi Kane no Kami. His teaching emphasizes the interdependence and "mutual fulfillment" (aiyo kakeyo あいよかけよ) of kami and humanity. He rejected fatalistic divination, geomancy, pollution taboos, and mandatory financial offerings at shrines and temples, and instead advocated faith, gratitude, and ethical self-cultivation. (Record of Revelations), documenting revelations and experiences from 1857 to shortly before his death in 1883.

Relationship with State Shintō

During his lifetime, Konkō Daijin obtained a license from the Shirakawa (白川) house of Shintō. After his death, some disciples sought official recognition for Konkokyo as one of the official Sect Shintō organizations in order to comply with Emperor Meiji's religious regulations.