佚名 · Public domain
Heian period · 845–903
Sugawara no Michizane
菅原道真 · Japan
Scholar and poet, later revered as the god of learning
A Heian-period scholar and statesman, skilled in both waka and Chinese poetry. In 901 he was framed by his rival Fujiwara no Tokihira, demoted to a minor post at Dazaifu and exiled to Kyushu with his family; he died there in 903. Today he is revered as Tenman Tenjin, the god of learning to whom students across Japan pray.
Where the story happened
Places connected with this person
History · Dazaifu Tenmangū
The god of learning exiled to Dazaifu
In 901 Sugawara no Michizane was framed by his political rival Fujiwara no Tokihira and demoted to a minor post at Dazaifu; his whole family was exiled to Kyushu, and he died there two years later. Dazaifu Tenmangū was built over his grave. After his death the Seiryōden of the imperial palace in Kyoto was repeatedly struck by lightning, and heavy rains and floods followed; the court believed Michizane's vengeful spirit was to blame and built Kitano Tenmangū in Kyoto to appease it.
Legend · Dazaifu Tenmangū
Tobiume: the plum tree that followed its master
Michizane wrote many poems about plum blossom in his lifetime. Legend says that after he died in exile, his favourite plum tree at his Kyoto residence flew overnight to Dazaifu to be reunited with its master; today this 'flying plum' at the Tenmangū is said to be the first plum tree in Japan to bloom each year.
