The Kitano Tenjin Shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to the ninth-century scholar and statesman Sugawara Michizane (845 – 903). Michizane died in exile, having been slandered by enemies at court. A series of natural disasters and plagues then caused the untimely deaths of his detractors. Michizane’s spirit revealed his wish to be enshrined in the northwestern section of the capital. He is venerated today as the Shinto god of learning and calligraphy.
