There is a folk toy called “Akabeko”, lucky red cow and talisman originated in Aizu district, Fukushima Prefecture. People say that Akabeko was originated at Enzoji Temple in Yanaizu town in Fukushima. The temple was built about 1,200 years ago.
Enzoji Temple
About 400 years ago, there was a big earthquake in Aizu district and Yanaizu was badly damaged. Enzoji Temple was also damaged including Fukumankokuzousondo hall and many people died. Later, in 1617, Fukumankokuzousondo hall (main hall) was rebuild on the cliff which is the current position. Lumber which was used to rebuild the main hall was donation from villages on the upstream site of the Tadami-gawa River. Lumber was transported on the Tadami-gawa River. However, people were greatly embarrassed how to carry lumber up to the top of the cliff. Then, a herd of red cow suddenly appeared from nowhere and helped black cows and were greatly contributed to rebuild the main hall. Red cows were gone to somewhere before the mail hall was finished.
Later, thanks to cows carried lumber, two Nade-ushis were built in the Enzoji Temple, which is cow statues believed wish comes true if people rub it by making a wish. Red cows which helped to carry lumber were called Akabeko which represent fortitude and power. Also, people believe Akabeko invites happiness. This is the reason why Yanaizu is the town which Akabeko was originated.
Nade-Ushi
“Aka” means red in Japanese and “beko” means cow in the local dialect.
If you have a chance to visit Fukushima, Akabeko is one of the souvenir you choose. Akabeko in the photo carries two sen-ryo-bakos. Sen-ryo-bako was a box exclusively used to store a large amount of koban (former Japanese oval gold coin) during the Edo period. Therefore, this Akabeko is believed to bring not only luck and happiness, but luck with money.
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