Kakinomoto-no-Hitomaro was born here in
Ono-town in the end of the 7th century.The town name of Ono was from Ono family who
came from the Yamato Government in Nara. The Yamato government was on the way to
unifying Japan and sent their officers to
Iwami region to rule this area against the Izumo government. The Izumo
government had a lot of power and posed a threat to the Yamato
government.
The father of Kakinomoto-no-Hitomaro was an officer of Ono family and
settled this area. His mother was from Ayabe family.In ancient times,
Japan was a matrimonial society and
children were brought up by the mother’s family. Ayabe family’s business was
“Kataribe” of Kakinomoto family. “Kataribe” is an occupation of people who pass
down historical stories at ceremonies.Hiromaro grew up in a high brow family, so he
could get a good education even if he lived far from the
Capital.
Now, the 49th heir of Ayabe is
the priest of this shrine. This shrine had been a private shrine of
Ayabe family for a long time but now it’s open to the
public.
