Brush mound

The "Fudezuka" (brush mound), erected in the grounds of Sakakiyama Shrine in September 1965 to express gratitude for the spirit of brushes and the achievements of the pioneers of brush making, is a symbol of Kumano, the city of brushes. The monument next to the monument is inscribed with the following words: "Kumano brushes support Japan's unique calligraphy culture. Our ancestors brought Kumano brushes to Kumano, and made their living by producing them, further refining their techniques, which resulted in Kumano brushes spreading throughout the country and abroad. We, the townspeople, make a living by producing brushes. We believe that brushes have "life," and we build the mound here with the spirit of the brush, the virtues of our ancestors, and our pride and gratitude." At the "Fude Festival," held once a year on the autumn equinox, we burn brushes next to the mound as a memorial to the brushes we have used, as well as to express our sincere gratitude to the spirits of the animals that make up the brushes. By the way, the characters for "Fudezuka" were carved in the handwriting of former Prime Minister Ikeda Hayato, who was born in Hiroshima Prefecture.