Ishiyama-dera Digital Engi Emaki

The Ishiyama-dera temple in Otsu is set to unveil an innovative adaptation of its treasured Ishiyama-dera engi emaki scrolls through a captivating CG anime. This adaptation marks the beginning of the "Ishiyama-dera Digital Engi Emaki Project," focusing on the inaugural tale from the first scroll. It tells the story of Rōben, the temple's founder, who encounters the Hira Myoujin deity manifested as an elderly man, receiving a divine oracle that guides him in the construction of Ishiyama-dera.

Comprising seven scrolls filled with 33 illustrated narratives, the Ishiyama-dera engi emaki captures the rich history and cultural significance of the temple and its surroundings. Among its enchanting tales is the moment when Murasaki Shikibu was inspired to pen The Tale of Genji while gazing at the serene beauty of Lake Biwa from the temple’s vantage point. These scrolls, recognized as Important Cultural Properties, were displayed together for the first time in 2012, preserving a vital piece of history that is now being brought to life through this artistic endeavor.