

The Wish of Danjuro I, the Leading Kabuki Actor in the Edo Period
Danjuro I gained popularity by incorporating the rough Aragoto style into his kabuki performance, of which Shibaraku and Narukami are the most well-known. However, as he had yet to be blessed with an heir, he prayed fervently within Yakushido Hall, the main hall at Naritasan Temple at the time, that he be blessed with a child. Whereupon it is said his wife successfully became pregnant with their long-awaited first son.
"Tsuwamono Kongen Soga," in which He and His Son Played for Repaying the Divine Blessings from the Deity O-Fudo-sama
Danjuro I performed in Tsuwamono Kongen Soga at Nakamura-za together with his son. The performance is an expression of gratitude that his prayers to O-Fudo-sama for a son came true, and this was the first Kabuki performance based on the deity Fudo-Myoo. The performance was a big hit, and as a way of expressing his gratitude for that, he presented Naritasan Temple with a large sacred mirror. Also, as they appeared in the performance together, the Ichikawa family began using the Yago (house name) of "Naritaya."
The Beginnings of Naritasan Temple’s Exhibitions of Buddhist Images in Edo, and the Lauded "Funjin Fudo"
During the same period that Naritasan Temple was holding the first public exhibitions of Buddhist images in the Fukagawa area of Edo, the Kabuki play "Naritasan Funjin Fudo" was enjoying great popularity, with Danjuro I performing Taizokai Fudo and Danjuro II performing Kongokai Fudo. This was the point in time that all of Edo learned of the deep religious devotion of Ichikawa Danjuro, also known as Naritaya, as well as the miracles he received from O-Fudo-sama.
Danjuro II was said to have been "Born in Response to Prayers to Narita Fudo"
Danjuro II took the stage for the first time at the age of ten, and created the foundation for children's roles. Due to the death of his father, he succeeded the stage name of Danjuro at the young age of seventeen. He superbly performed everything from the rough Aragoto style to the gentler Wagoto style as in Sukeroku, and he was lauded as "Narita Fudo no Moshigo (A Child Born in Response to Prayers to Narita Fudo)."
Recovery from Illness due to Praying to O-Fudo-sama at Naritasan Temple

Danjuro II was no less faithful to the deity Fudo than his father, and in the same year that he succeeded the stage name Danjuro, he fasted at Naritasan Temple and prayed that his skills would improve. There are also many miraculous stories in which he was healed by praying in front of the main effigy whenever he had eye troubles and serious illnesses.