The shrine, dedicated to the 16th emperor of Japan, was believed to have been established on the grounds of Namba Kozugu's ruins in the year 866. The shrine was moved to its present location in 1583 when Toyotomi Hideyoshi constructed Osaka Castle. However, the shrine was completely lost to fire during the air raids of World War II. Known as a location for classical rakugo comic storytelling performances, the shrine has long enjoyed popularity as a cultural center amongst the people of Osaka. The tradition is still alive and well today. The fifth generation rakugo master of the Bunshi Katsura family regularly performs here. There's even a statue of Bunshi Katsura on the shrine grounds. Kozugu's spring cherry blossom viewing festival is always sure to draw crowds, with the night cherry blossoms being considered especially beautiful.