As a result of his active propagation activities in Kamakura for nearly twenty years and his submission of the Rissho Ankoku Ron(Treatise on Spreading Peace Throughout the Country by Establishing the True Dharma) to the government, Nichiren Shonin came under persecution from the authorities as well as other Buddhist Schools. He was sentenced to exile in Ito Village on Izu Peninsula on 12th May 1261; and on 12th September 1271 he was taken to Tatsunokuchi illegitimately - an execution ground where he was to be beheaded. At the moment when the executioner was going to strike down with his sword, it is said that a bright light appeared in the sky, frightening all present except for Nichiren Shonin. Nichiren Shonin escaped death due to this miraculous occurance.

Ryuko-ji stands at this place today.

Either side of the altar in the Hondo of Ryuko-ji are statues depicting the six senior disciples of Nichiren Shonin - Nissho (1221-1323), Nichiro (1245-1320), Nikko (1246-1333), Niko (1253-1314), Nitcho (1252-1317), and Nichiji (1250-1305?).

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