Sumiyoshi Taisha has watched over Osaka Bay for nearly 2,000 years. Founded by the legendary Empress-Regent Jingú in the third century, it honors four deities: a trio of sea gods named Sumiyoshi Sanjin and Empress Jingù herself, whose spirit was enshrined alongside them after her death. Since its founding, Sumiyoshi Taisha has been linked to the sea. At people involved in fishing, shipping and other industries seafarers still come to pray in Sumiyoshi for safe travel. The shrine provides spiritual protection for Osaka Harbor, which was the main gateway to Japan's historic capitals. And the rest of the country until the end of the 19th century. Sumiyoshi Taisha has close ties to poetry, the performing arts, sumo wrestling, success in love and business, and the safe delivery of babies - a variety that reflects the long history of the shrine and its place in the hearts of the people of Osaka, who affectionately call him "Sumiyossan". The shrine is famous throughout Japan for its rites and festivals. Two million people come to Sumiyoshi Taisha every January for hatsumode, the traditional first visit of the year to a shrine. Sumiyoshi Matsuri in mid-summer is one of Osaka's biggest festivals, culminating in a parade of portable shrines. Other events, such as a rice planting ritual in June and a moon celebration in early autumn, draw visitors with music, dancing and traditional poetry readings.