PETALING JAYA: A memorial built for a Japanese imperial heir, Crown Prince Takaoka, in Johor Baru is a strong indication that he met his death in the state and possibly in the lost city of Kota Gelanggi.

Erected in January 1970 by the Chief Abbot of the Mount Koya monastery, the memorial still stands majestically today at the Japanese cemetery in Jalan Kebun Teh, Johor Baru.

Official Japanese records had noted that Prince Takaoka reportedly met his death after being attacked by a tiger in Kota Gelanggi in Johor, which some scholars believe to be the kingdom of Lo-Yue.

According to Prof Dr Chisho Namai, president of Koyasan University in Japan, Prince Takaoka (799AD to 865AD) was the third son of Emperor Heizei (774 to 824).


SOLEMN TRIBUTE: This memorial for Prince Takaoka was erected in 1970 by the Chief Abbot of the Mount Koya monastery. It is located in the Japanese cemetery in Jalan Kebun Teh, Johor Baru.
“Prince Takaoka renounced the world in 822 and changed his name to Shinnyo Hosshinno,” he said.
Dr Namai said the prince then left for China in 862, studied in Chang-an in 864, then decided to go to India to study Buddhism. 

He said Prince Takaoka started for India from Guang-zhou on Jan 27, 865, after which the university lost track of his trail.

“What we know is that he did pass through the Malay peninsula en route to India. We have no information on whether the prince passed away in Lo-Yue,” he added.

Dr Namai said if the remains of the prince were found in Kota Gelanggi, the monastery would make a request for them to be returned to Japan. 

jepang darul takzim

Prince Takaoka



■Born: 799
■Died: 865
■Other Names: 真如 (Shinnyo)
■Japanese: 高岳親王 (Takaoka shinnou)

Prince Takaoka was an Imperial prince and Shingon Buddhist monk, also known by his monastic name, Shinnyo. He is known for his attempt to journey to India, though he sadly died along the way, at age 66, in 865, somewhere near modern-day Singapore.

Though he was unsuccessful, of those Japanese who attempted to travel to India prior to the 16th century, he may have made it the farthest.

Daulat tuanku !!!