Shrine Where Prayers for Victory Are Offered in “March Comes in Like a Lion”

Hatonomorihachiman Shrine in Shibuya Ward is featured in the TV animation series “March Comes in Like a Lion” (2016). In the series, the protagonist, professional shogi player Rei Kiriyama, often stops by the shrine on his way to Shogi Kaikan, where he goes to take part in matches. There are also scenes in which Shoichi Matsunaga, a seventh-dan player, visits the shrine before matches. Because Hatonomorihachiman Shrine is right behind Shogi Kaikan, professional shogi players can actually be seen visiting the shrine before matches, just like seventh-dan Shoichi Matsunaga. The shrine is a chinjusha (shrine for a patron spirit that protects a given area) of Sendagaya. On the precincts of the shrine, Shogi-do houses a 1.2-meter high koma (shogi piece) that was offered by the Japan Shogi Association. The Shogi-do Prayer Ceremony is held every year at New Year’s, and the shrine holds a shogi tournament every summer. Take advantage of your visit to Hatonomorihachiman Shrine to also stop by Shogi Kaikan.