Recently, I visited Gokokuji Temple in Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, nestled in the southeastern part of the Japanese archipelago, accompanying descendants of the Yeo clan. This temple holds historical significance as it was once led by a monk named Yeo Dae-nam (1580–1659), originally from the current Hadong County, South Gyeongsang Province, who served as its first chief monk over four centuries ago.

During the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592–1597, a Japanese general named Kato Kiyomasa took Yeo Dae-nam, then a young boy of 13, to Japan as a captive, like many others. Recognizing Yeo's innate literary talent and wisdom beyond his years, Kiyomasa became an unexpected mentor, guiding him in the ways of Japanese writing and the tenets of the Nichiren Shu sect of Buddhism. Under Kiyomasa's tutelage, Yeo flourished, his intellect and spiritual depth propelling him to prominence within Japanese society. By the age of 29, Yeo Dae-nam had risen to become the third chief monk of Honmyoji Temple in Kumamoto.

Despite being of Korean descent, Yeo Dae-nam gained respect and reverence from the Japanese, earning titles such as the Sunlight Ascetic Monk or the Goryeo Monk. He continued to serve as the master monk of several other prominent Japanese temples, further solidifying his reputation and influence within Japanese society.

He yearned for his homeland throughout his life, but sadly, he never set foot on Korean soil again and instead fell in love with Japan. The Yeo clan members presented the genealogy of their ancestors as a gift to the current 19th chief monk, Iwanaga, of the temple. Additionally, Iwanaga requested to be included in the same genealogy as the first chief monk under the Korean name Yeo Tae-hyeon. This act symbolizes a profound friendship between Korea and Japan.

The Japanese chief monk demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge about the history between Korea and Japan, surpassing that found in textbooks. His detailed responses to inquiries from the Korean side were remarkable.

Upon unpacking my luggage, I discovered a pristine Arita Yaki white porcelain water cup adorned with delicate dark blue grape motifs, gifted by the chief monk of Gokokuji Temple. This ceramic object symbolizes Japanese luxury, originally crafted by Korean potters, highlighting cultural connections between the two countries. Reflecting on the past, we can envision our ancestors gazing upon similar landscapes centuries ago, likely filled with profound nostalgia for their hometowns. The Island of the Prairie, Shimabara, nestled along the Ariake-kai Sea in Nagasaki Prefecture, undoubtedly evokes such sentiments.

Gokokuji Temple, led by its first Korean chief monk, Yeo Dae-nam, holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people. Through wisdom and virtue, it has fostered a lasting connection between Korea and Japan, laying the foundation for a bond that endures.

Shin Hye-suk (sinesu@naver.com), whose English name is Shindy, completed a doctorate in sociology and has devoted two decades of her life to academic pursuits at a university in Japan. She is also a flower artist and has served as president of the Rotary International Seoul Club Korea.