YAMAGATA BANTO

Yamagata Banto was born in Kazume, Yoneda-cho, in 1748. When he was thirteen years old, he succeeded his uncle, who worked as a head clerk for a big company called "Masuya". While doing business, he became a scholar in Japanese, Chinese and European studies. He was a leader in paving the way for modern rational thought. He wrote many books on economy, geography and history. " Yume-no-shiro"(Instead of Dreams) is his masterpiece.

Yamagata Banto donated a lantern called "Ishidoro" to Oshiko shrine. It is located on the first gate of the shrine, and is called "Ichi-no-torii". It is regarded as a barrier against evil spirits.