Hero of Tôhoku’s old history

In recent times, there has been and idea that sei-i tai-shogun (barbarian-quelling great-general) Sakanoue no Tamuramaro (758-811) was an invader sent by the central government of Kyoto to crush Akurô the local hero of this area who fought against him.
However, if one considers the local legends of Takkoku, such as that of the princess confined in a basket (Kagonohime), the place where Akurô waited to seize the princess (Himemachinotaki) and the rock where her served hair was hung (katsuraishi), it is clear that the local people were actually suffering. They were so glad to be relieved from the tyranny of Akurô, that they honored Sakanoue no Tamuramaro with the title Bishamontennô (Bishamon’s king).
The temples, shrines and legends connected with this shogun in Tôhoku are as numerous as stars. Sakanoue is the real hero of Tôhoku history, and Takkoku no Iwaya is the source of the legends about him. Day and night, sincerely offer prayers of thanks to him for the foundation on Takkoku no Iwaya 1,200 years ago.

Head Breast of Takkoku no Iwaya.