Q: How have Senso-ji Temple and its sub-temples been worshiped?
 
 Senso-ji Temple has a very long history, and dates back to the Asuka Period. Since then, the temple has been worshiped by a variety of people. Considering the beginning of the temple, its history started when two fishermen scooped up a statue of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, so common people, who were fishermen, played a key role in the temple's inception. This indicates how the temple has been worshiped as a temple of the people. Moreover, the temple was also worshiped by the powers that be. For example, the temple was protected by well-known warlords, including Yoritomo Minamoto, Takauji Ashikaga and successive shoguns of the Tokugawa shogunate. Especially in the Edo Period, in addition to common people, the Tokugawa shoguns had faith in the temple. Since the temple was a place where common people and the shoguns could be united, it prospered further.
 
Q: If there are some anecdotes about the relationship between Senso-ji Temple and the shogunate, could you tell me those anecdotes?
 
 There are many anecdotes about the shogunate. One of the anecdotes is visits of shoguns to the temple. When universal peace was attained in the Edo Period, shoguns often visited the temple incognito, and prayed before the Bodhisattva of Compassion. After visiting the temple, shoguns took a rest at Denpo-in, and enjoyed seeing the garden or tricks performed by street performers who were called from Okuyama in Asakusa. At that time, Okuyama was an bustling area where excellent street performances and shows could be seen, so shoguns called the best magician or top spinner in Japan to Denpo-in, and enjoyed their tricks. (continued in the right column)