Nation-Building with Wake no Kiyomaro – From Yamashiro to Usa
和気清麻呂と国づくり ― 山城から宇佐へ
Usa Hachiman Shrine in Kyushu has long stood as a guardian of Japan’s imperial legitimacy. It was here that the decisive oracles were delivered—first suggesting, then rejecting, the monk Dōkyō’s claim to the throne. Through Wake no Kiyomaro’s unwavering faith, the shrine became forever linked to the principle that Japan must be ruled by the unbroken imperial line.
A bright vermilion gate and main hall of Usa Hachiman Shrine in Kyushu, Japan. The shrine is renowned for its pivotal oracles during the Dōkyō incident, affirming the unbroken imperial line.
Introduction – Beyond Exile and Restoration
After his dramatic exile and triumphant return, Wake no Kiyomaro did not retreat into quiet retirement. Instead, he dedicated himself to rebuilding the realm, strengthening its institutions, and guiding the imperial court toward stability. His vision extended beyond loyalty in crisis; it reached into the very fabric of nation-building.
Building Yamashiro – Foundations of a Capital
One of Kiyomaro’s greatest contributions was his role in the planning and defense of Yamashiro, the region that would later host the capital of Heian-kyō. In the aftermath of political turmoil, the court sought a site that would symbolize renewal and stability. Kiyomaro, drawing on his experience and moral authority, was deeply involved in the strategic and spiritual preparation of this new center of governance.
He understood that a capital was not merely a political hub but also a moral heart. By grounding the city in proper rites, alignments, and respect for the kami, he helped shape a foundation that would endure for centuries.
Pilgrimage to Usa – Reaffirming Divine Mandate
Kiyomaro’s bond with the shrine of Usa Hachiman remained central to his life. Even after his restoration, he continued to serve as an intermediary between the court and the shrine. His pilgrimages to Usa reaffirmed the principle that Japan’s polity rests on divine sanction and the unbroken imperial line.
It was not only political necessity—it was also personal devotion. Kiyomaro, once nearly destroyed for delivering the true oracle, now returned as a figure of vindicated faith. The shrine, which had stood as the axis of legitimacy, became inseparable from his own life’s mission.
Nation-Building through Moral Authority
What set Kiyomaro apart was that his contributions were not measured only in military or political terms. He embodied the conviction that a nation is built upon moral authority—the trust between ruler and people, the bond between heaven and earth.
By helping to establish the foundations of Yamashiro and strengthening ties with Usa Hachiman, Kiyomaro reinforced both the physical and spiritual architecture of the Japanese state. His work demonstrated that true nation-building requires more than structures; it requires integrity, loyalty, and the courage to align human governance with divine order.
Conclusion – A Lasting Legacy
Wake no Kiyomaro’s story did not end with his return from exile. Through his efforts in Yamashiro and his enduring bond with Usa, he shaped the direction of Japan in ways that extended far beyond his own lifetime.
His life reminds us that loyalty in crisis is only the beginning; the true measure of leadership lies in building a future where legitimacy and stability can flourish together. From Yamashiro’s foundations to Usa’s sacred oracle, Kiyomaro’s legacy continues to echo as a guide for how nations may rise—not by ambition, but by principle.
