(NOAH) The Symbology of Kongoh

Before I start this look at the symbology in Kongoh, it should be mentioned that Kenoh is from Tokushima, Shikoku, which despite him calling it, "this fucking countryside", is Japan's holy island. 

Shikoku is the site of the 88 temple pilgrimages, each which represent in stages the path to enlightenment. Kenoh also knows how to chant Buddhist scripture, having chanted it when seconding Jinsei Shinzaki in Michinoku Pro (whose ring persona is a pilgrim Buddhist monk, like the ones Kenoh would have seen growing up), with a sutra that kept evil off his back. Kenoh said that the monks on Shikoku do this as they travel.

Symbology in names

"Kongoh" 

The meaning Kenoh uses is "diamond", but there is a second meaning too. Kongoh can also mean "thunderbolt" which is wielded by the Buddhist deity, Indra (a guardian deity). His thunderbolt is the symbol of truth, and we see Haoh & Nioh pose as if throwing one at their entrances. In his promos, Kenoh is always talking about how Kongoh will go about doing things their own way, following their own path, and how they will protect Noah.   

"Haoh" & "Nioh"

Haoh & Nioh are based on the "Kongorikishi", who are the guardian statues who stand either side of the entrance to Buddhist shrines, just like Haoh and Nioh do in the ring entry. They are often depicted muscled, and somewhat like wrestlers in appearance, and can be seen with thunderbolts in one hand in some depictions. The alternate name for the Kongorikishi are "Nioh", which literally means "Two Kings". 

Haoh's name, however, means "Overlord" and is not really connected with Buddhism, moreover it means someone who is a conqueror and a champion, a "Supreme Ruler" and a "High King".

Symbology of clothing

Red

Red in Japan represents strong emotions, vitality, heat and power. Kenoh of course has worn red for years, with Masa Kitamiya and Yoshiki Inamura joining in fairly recently. 

Haoh & Nioh 

Haoh and Nioh wear a costume with a motif of fleur-de-lys, a spotty print, Mandala wheels and stars. While associated with the symbols of European monarchy (in particular France), fleur-de-lys have been found on an ancient statue of the Buddhist King, Kanishka, and Kenoh's name means literally, "Fist King". You can also catch glimpses of Mandala wheels on their hips. 

Symbology in speech

Aside from the references to protecting Noah, Kenoh has made references to Buddhist scripture in some of his promos;

"The Master of the South has a glimpse of the meaning of Kongoh*"

Hey! Shinzaki! Remember! We are Kongoh

"The Master of the South passes through Kongoh"

Jinsei Shinzaki...I will defeat YOU!"

 The Master of the South is Buddha. Kenoh chanted the scripture lines. 

"From now on, Kongoh will take the Sugiura Army the way of the Shura Road."

"Shura Road" is a term that means a long unrelenting and ultimately ruthless battle. It comes from Ashura, the Buddhist deity of war, who originally was the god of justice, but was chased from heaven. The sutras speak of Asura's war against Taishakuten (who interestingly is linked to Buddhist Four Heavenly Kings), which is where the phrase originates. 

Ashura however does have six roads which are all tied in with the Buddhist belief in reincarnation. I don't think, however, this is what Kenoh is referring to as the Hell Road (despite the demon's wearing red) is linked to redemption. 

Gif credit: WRESTLE UNIVERSE & Noah GHC YouTube