中島正國（1896-1954) 宮司 *

1933 New Year's Card to Trautz

中島正國からトラウツへの年賀状

Amidst my collection of New Year's cards lies an intriguing puzzle surrounding one from 中島正國 (Nakajima Masakuni). This card, devoid of individual recipient names, suggests a wider distribution strategy. Curiously, it landed among a few others in my possession that reached F. M. Trautz without utilizing the postal system or featuring any recipient names. The absence of specific addressees, coupled with preprinted sender details, hints at a broader distribution intention, possibly from multiple senders but unquestionably intended for F. M. Trautz. A curious riddle, indeed. 

This card reads:

官幣中社赤間宮社務所 (Kanpeichusha, Akama-gu Shamusho - Office of the Akama Shrine)

中島正國 (Nakajima Masakuni)

下関市園田町住  (Shimonoseki-shi, Sonoda-machi, Resident)

Chronology of Positions:

Early Life and Education

• 1896 Born in Shimane Prefecture
• 1916 Graduated from Kokugakuin University with a degree in Japanese and Chinese literature 

Shrine Appointments

• 1925 Became a priest at Sangawa Shrine
• 1929 Moved to Akama Shrine as a priest
• 1933 Became the priest of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
• 1937 Transferred to Meiji Shrine as the chief priest
• 1945 Became the priest of Suwa Taisha Shrine
• 1946 Became the priest of Mihoya Shrine

Other Roles

• 1947 Headed the Shimane Prefecture Association of Shinto Shrines

Passing: 

• March 20, 1954 at the age of 58