By ando 
Basic Information
Name: Hita Jinja (Hita Shrine)
Location: 2-4-6 Shiromachi, Hita City, Oita Prefecture
Enshrined Kami: Okura Nagasue (commonly known as Hitadon), Okura Nagahiro, Okura Nagahisa
Benefits: Success in competitions, good health, improvement in sumo skills, family safety
The Invincible Legend of “Hitadon,” the Kami of Sumo
The kami enshrined at Hita Jinja is Okura Nagasue, a powerful local lord from the Heian period who served as the Hita District Administrator. He is affectionately known by locals as “Hitadon.”
Hitadon was actually known for his immense “superhuman strength.” At the age of 16, he was summoned to Kyoto to participate in Tenran Sumo (sumo performed before the Emperor). There, he easily defeated Kokansha, a formidable wrestler from Izumo who was considered invincible at the time. Afterwards, he participated in Tenran Sumo 15 times over more than 30 years and never once lost, earning him the title of “legendary undefeated sumo wrestler.”
Even today, he is revered as the “kami of sumo,” and a magnificent sumo ring (dohyo) stands on the shrine grounds. The Japan Sumo Association always visits Hita Jinja to pay respects during their Hita regional tour, making it a special sacred site for the sumo world.
Mystery and Untold Story: The Determined “Last Step”
A very dramatic and slightly poignant legend about Hitadon’s final moments remains.
On his way back from Kyoto to Hita after a sumo festival (Sumo no Sechie), he was struck by a severe illness (high fever). Realizing his end was near, Hitadon declared, “I will not die until I step foot on the land of Hita,” and continued to walk with superhuman willpower.
The moment he reached Otsuru, the entrance to Hita, he reportedly sighed in relief, saying, “Finally, I have stepped on Hita’s soil…”, and then passed away. Today, a grave marker (gorinto, a five-tiered stone pagoda) stands at the location believed to be his final resting place, and many fans visit it along with Hita Jinja.
Its Aspect as a Sacred Site for the Anime “Attack on Titan”
Hita City is now famous as “Attack on Titan’s Hita,” attracting fans from all over the world as the hometown of Hajime Isayama, the author of the globally popular anime “Attack on Titan.”
In fact, Hita Jinja is also a must-see spot for fans. It is said that the themes of “Titans” and “overwhelming power” in the work overlap with the image of “Hitadon, unmatched in superhuman strength,” a legend that has been passed down in this region since ancient times.
While there are statues of Captain Levi in front of Hita Station and Eren and his companions at Oyama Dam, more and more fans are incorporating Hita Jinja into their pilgrimage routes to experience the roots of the story and Hita’s history, as it is considered the “guardian kami of Hita.” In particular, descriptions of Hitadon’s “imposing physique” (a very large and splendid build) somehow evoke the strength of the characters appearing in the work.
Highlights and Points for Worship
Upon entering the shrine grounds, the first thing that catches the eye are the “komainu with large faces.” Their somewhat humorous yet powerful expressions are befitting guardians of the kami of sumo. Next to the main hall (haiden) is a monument inscribed with the names of famous sumo wrestlers throughout history (such as Wakanohana, Takanohana, and Akebono), and visitors constantly come to gain strength before competitions.
Why not visit and experience Hita’s rich nature and the powerful energy emanating from this legendary sumo wrestler?
Related Links and References
http://nobyama.com/hita.html
https://jinmycho.jpn.org/jinja/08oitaseibu/1066/1066.html
https://japanmystery.com/category/ooita
https://www.asoview.com/spot/44204ag2130015159/
https://data.japanmystery.com/hita/hitajinja/
http://www.komainu.org/ooita/hitasi/HitaSiromati/hita.html
https://tabi.hama-life.com/attack-on-titan-hita/
https://www.visit-oita.jp/topics/detail/576
https://ameblo.jp/krhs1020/entry-12779952319.html
https://shingeki-hita.com/spot/