This study focuses on the increase in the number of elementary school excursions to Ise Jingu (
sanguryoko) in Tokyo Prefecture in the 1930s and reveals how and why they increased. The primary purpose of
sanguryoko was to go and worship at Ise Jingu. Previous studies have not explained why the number of
sanguryoko suddenly increased, especially considering the regional differences. Therefore, this study attempts to clarify from the viewpoint of the organizers from the Tokyo how and why it became increasingly popular. The chapters are as follows:
1. The increase in the number of
sanguryoko from Tokyo Prefecture
2. Budgeting for
sanguryoko by ward council of the City of Tokyo
3. The campaign for discounted railway fares for
sanguryoko 4. The course of events culminating in the publication of Notice 198, "How to handle the trip by a group of elementary school children to visit Ise Jingu," by the Ministry of Railways
First, we examined the background and facts as to how
sanguryoko started in Tokyo Prefecture. Second, case studies of Koishikawa Ward and Shinagawa Ward are conducted to examine how the budget for
sanguryoko was determined by each ward council of the City of Tokyo. Third, the fact that Educational Society of Tokyo Prefecture Union campaigned for discounted railway fares for
sanguryoko is investigated. Fourth, the course of events culminating in the publication of Notice 198, "How to handle the trip by a group of elementary school children to visit Ise Jingu," by the Ministry of Railways on June 12, 1937 is examined. This notice was ordered by the Minister of Railways, Shinya Uchida, in response to years of requests for discounted railway fares for
sanguryoko. The purpose of his order was to allow sixth-grade children from all over Japan to travel to Ise Jingu for free. As a result twenty percent of the number of participant was free. After that was determined, the City of Tokyo formed an association of ward councils and submitted a petition to ask the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Railways to increase the discount for
sanguryoko. The number of
sanguryoko by elementary school children in Tokyo Prefecture increased because of a subsidy from each ward in Tokyo and the campaign of the Educational Society. The aim of these campaigns was to have all sixth graders participate in
sanguryoko. The campaigns conducted by the Educational Society of Tokyo Prefecture Union led the Ministry of Railways to enact the notice, which established a system to provide substantial aid only for
sanguryoko.
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