Regarding the Shinto priests of Atsuwara, I am sure it was not an easy matter for you to protect them until today.

Although we have been safe so far, those in power have the intention of eliminating the believers of the Lotus Sūtra, though they appear to be oppressing us on the pretext of other matters. Therefore, it seems that they are trying to find fault with us through the circumstances of the Atsuwara Persecution. Nevertheless, when we are assailed in the name of the state power, we cannot simply rebuff the charges unless we do not want to make our way through the world. If it is difficult for you to shelter the Shinto priests where you are, please consider entrusting them to us on Mt. Minobu. Even if their wives and children stay there, it is unlikely that the shogunate officials will question them. I think it will be all right for them to remain there until the incident quiets down.

Ueno-dono Gohenji, Reply to Lord Ueno, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Volume 7, Followers II, Page 37

I’m compelled to add this to my 100 days out fascination that Shinto priests somehow got caught up in the conflict between Nichiren’s followers and opposing religious factions. This letter was written in 1280 and another letter, a year later in 1281, makes this passing reference:

As for the Shinto priest, he is attended by a groom and a horse named Ochichishio.

Ueno-dono Gohenji, Reply to Lord Ueno, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Volume 7, Followers II, Page 46

(Why are the Shinto priest and his groom unnamed and the horse named?)

The glossary offers this on the Atsuwara Persecution

Atsuwara Persecution (Atsuwara no mono)

The Atsuwara Persecution occurred in the 9th month of the 2nd year of the Kōan Era (1279) at Atsuwara (Fuji-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture today). It was an oppression against the rapidly growing Nichiren Buddhists in the Fuji area. In this incident 20 farmers including Atsuwara Jinshiro ̄were arrested and sent to Kamakura, of whom three were beheaded and others were imprisoned.

In trying to find out how exactly the Shinto priests got involved I read Jacqueline I. Stone’s “The Atsuhara Affair: The Lotus Sutra, Persecution, and Religious Identity in the Early Nichiren Tradition.”

100 Days of Study