15/08/2025
Origin of the Nara Daimonji Bonfire Ceremony
(Translation from the introduction by Nara Daimonji Preservation Society)
On August 15 — the day of Obon, which also marks the anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II — the Daimonji Bonfire of Nara was first lit in 1960 on Mt. Takamado. It was founded by the late Mr. Chuzaburo Kagita of Nara City and other volunteers, as an offering to the spirits of those who gave their lives for the nation in various wars, including the two World Wars, the Sino-Japanese War, and the Russo-Japanese War. Since then, the bonfire has been held every year without interruption, continuing to burn brightly as a memorial flame.
This “Memorial Daimonji” is not only rooted in the spirit of Nara-period Buddhism as a protector of the nation but is also a majestic and elegant fire festival, reflecting the refined beauty of Nara culture and evoking the grandeur of ancient Japan. It is intended to be passed down forever as a solemn act of remembrance.
Like the Daimonji fires of Kyoto and Hakone, the Nara bonfire takes the shape of the Chinese character “大” (meaning “great”). This symbol represents the universe and expresses the wish to burn away worldly desires while offering a pure heart in prayer for all spirits.
Mt. Takamado was chosen as the site for several reasons: it was once home to an imperial villa of Emperor Shomu; it is the sacred mountain where Reverend Kinso Taitoku of Daianji Temple — the teacher of Kobo Daishi, founder of Kyoto’s Daimonji fire — established his own Iwabuchi Temple; and it lies directly behind Nara’s Gokoku Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of those who died for the country.
On August 15, at 7:00 p.m., the “Daimonji Memorial Service” begins solemnly at Tobihino in the grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, coinciding with the arrival of memorial tablets dedicated to the spirits. In a rare combination nationwide, both Shinto priests from Kasuga Taisha and over 30 Buddhist temples jointly conduct the memorial rites.
During the Buddhist ceremony, the Heart Sutra is chanted by torchlight. Then, the names of 29,243 fallen soldiers from Nara Prefecture are read aloud, one by one. The spirits of these war dead, along with those from across Japan and all unrelated spirits, are invited to the site. Families of the deceased and members of the public join together to make incense offerings.
At 8:00 p.m., with a signal from the Tobihino ceremony grounds, local residents of Byakugoji Town — who have maintained ritual purity until the day — ignite the bonfire on Mt. Takamado all at once. At the center of the “大” character, known as the Kanao, the chief priest of Sanmatsu Zen Temple continues chanting sutras without pause amidst the flames.
Mt. Takamado, at 462 meters, almost exactly matches the height of Kyoto’s Daimonji Mountain (Mt. Nyoigatake) at 470 meters. Lighting up Nara’s night sky, the ceremony sends heartfelt prayers for all spirits from the ancient capital throughout the nation.
Although the primary purpose is memorial and spiritual, this summer event also complements the winter Wakakusa Yamayaki fire festival, becoming one of Nara’s grand seasonal attractions that showcases the beauty and tradition of the ancient capital to the world.
Every year on August 15, we are committed to keeping this "Flame of Peace" burning, never letting it go out, passing it on to future generations.
