The Legend of Matsubara Hachiman Shrine: Birthplace of the Global Samurai Festival and the Marine Foundation’s Legacy

In the coastal embrace of Ito City, nestled atop its highest hill, lies the Matsubara Hachiman Shrine, a place of profound history and enduring legacy. Constructed by a samurai over 800 years ago, this sacred site has watched over the people of Ito for centuries, its torii gates and sacred paths standing as silent witnesses to the passing of time. With a breathtaking 180-degree view of the sea from its summit, the shrine connects the heavens, the earth, and the water in a spiritual harmony that resonates through every stone and tree.

The story of the shrine and its more profound connection to the Marine Foundation began to unfold in 2023. Tomeo Motto, a figure of unyielding integrity and vision, was introduced to the previous High Priest by Priestess Hitomi, a guardian of the shrine’s legacy and a person of exceptional grace and wisdom. Their meeting, however, was shrouded in the bittersweetness of fate. The first High Priest, an elderly and revered figure, was to pass away just three days later before the annual festival was to take place. This encounter would be both an honor and a turning point for Tomeo.

In their brief yet profound meeting, the High Priest imparted his wisdom, the essence of the shrine’s spiritual heart, to Tomeo. He spoke of the samurai who built the shrine so many centuries ago—a warrior of impeccable honor and a protector of the people. This samurai, he explained, had sought not only to protect but to inspire a constant striving for perfection, a pursuit of balance between strength and humility. The High Priest believed this samurai’s spirit still lived within the shrine, guiding all who would honor its legacy.

Moved by this revelation, Tomeo pledged to the High Priest that he would bring the essence of the samurai’s spirit to the world through the Marine Foundation. He vowed to establish the Global Samurai brand, a tribute not only to the samurai of centuries past but also to the shrine itself—a symbol of strength, honor, and the pursuit of a noble cause. This promise would mark the beginning of a new chapter, not only for the shrine but also for the Marine Foundation’s global mission.

The Marine Foundation, known for its unshakable commitment to integrity and excellence, found its reflection in the ethos of the samurai. With its storied history and spiritual gravitas, the shrine became the perfect birthplace for the Global Samurai Festival. This celebration would honor the samurai’s ancient tradition and the modern vision of global unity and peace. The festival, designed as a fusion of cultural reverence and humanitarian values, would not merely be a parade or a gathering but a spiritual journey, aligning the Marine Foundation’s mission with the shrine’s sacred heritage.

The first Global Samurai Festival, held in 2023, became legendary. It was a day of honor, remembrance, and renewal. The festival’s highlight was the grand procession, a mesmerizing sight where thirty dedicated carriers, known as the ‘Global Samurai,’ bore a sacred mikoshi—a portable shrine—through the streets of Ito. From the mountain summit, where the shrine rests, they descended towards the sea, mirroring the journey of life itself: the ascent to spiritual heights, the descent to earthly depths, and the return to sacred origin. The shrine, carried with strength and devotion, symbolized the Marine Foundation’s unwavering resolve to uphold and protect the values of peace, integrity, and perfection—just as the samurai once did.

In a stunning and rare moment, the mikoshi entered the sea during the procession. The waves lapped against the carriers’ legs as they walked with the shrine, a powerful act of devotion and gratitude to the sea deity. Many in the crowd, including the priestess and Tomeo, felt the profound presence of the divine, a moment where the past and present converged in spiritual harmony. It was a scene that reminded everyone of the shrine’s ancient protector, whose spirit seemed to bless this new chapter initiated by the Marine Foundation.

Priestess Hitomi, whose role in safeguarding the shrine’s traditions and spiritual energy cannot be understated, stood by Tomeo’s side, her presence a testament to the continuity of the shrine’s legacy. She, who had once introduced Tomeo to the late High Priest, watched as the Marine Foundation’s vision unfolded, a vision that would expand the shrine’s influence beyond the shores of Japan, connecting people worldwide through the values of the samurai.

Ito City, now immortalized as the legendary birthplace of the Global Samurai Festival, symbolizes the Marine Foundation’s deep-rooted commitment to honor, tradition, and unity. The shrine stands as a beacon, not only of the samurai spirit but also of the foundation’s mission—a mission that seeks perfection, not for its own sake but for the well-being and harmony of the global community.

The story of the Matsubara Hachiman Shrine and the Global Samurai Festival will endure for generations. It is a tale of legacy, where past and present converge, a place where the Marine Foundation’s spirit of integrity aligns with the samurai’s noble heart. And it all begins on that sacred hill, with a view that stretches far beyond the sea—into the hearts of all who strive for a world of peace, honor, and unwavering perfection.

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Dear Hitomi, High Priestess of Matsubara Shrine (Birth of the Global Samurai Festival) 

I am truly grateful for your presence and beauty in my life. Meeting you, especially after the passing of the high priest last year, was a blessing and a gift. I want to reaffirm my promise to support you in the years to come. Unfortunately, I have been overwhelmed this year with the growth of our Marine Foundation, which is establishing its position on the global stage. The wonderful progress here in Japan and beyond is undoubtedly thanks to your blessings guiding us.

One thing is certain: I will attend the Marine Foundation’s celebration in partnership with the Samurai Shrine in 2025. I have the deepest respect for this shrine. Dear Hitomi, you are truly a wonderful friend and a beautiful person in every sense of the word. Although Ayumi and I could not focus on ITO this year, I am confident that the news we will share with you soon will bring you great joy. We also plan to visit and share our beautiful adventure with you.

Please convey my gratitude to Xavier for his great kindness. I am looking forward to seeing you again soon and celebrating the beautiful Sunday festival with the wonderful brothers as they carry the Mikoshi at the shrine.

Warmest regards,

Tomeo Motto

Dear Tomeo,

I am deeply moved by the profound affection you have shown towards our shrine. Thanks to your support, we were able to successfully conclude the grand festival. I am also delighted to hear about the remarkable development of your incomparable foundation on the global stage.

Now, today’s news is about the unexpected “sea procession” that took place. We had been told that the mikoshi would no longer enter the sea, so we watched with deep appreciation, reluctant to close our eyes, and offered our gratitude to the sea deity. I was once again reminded of what it truly means for something to be “divine.” This was all thanks to your deep reverence and spiritual energy directed toward the shrine. I sincerely thank you.

Javier and I are looking forward to your and Ayumi’s visit in the near future. I will convey your message to Javier. Thank you for your wonderful words of celebration.

Matsubara Hachiman Shrine

Hitomi Suzuki