Katsu Kaishu inherited devotion to Myoken Bosatsu from his father Katsu Kokichi and is said to have prayed to Myoken before the Kanrin Maru's transpacific voyage in 1860 and the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle in 1868. Nose Myokenzan was venerated as the head temple of three generations of Katsu family faith, and Tokyo's Nose Myokenzan Betsuin belongs to the same religious community. Myoken devotion held profound meaning as the spiritual pillar supporting Kaishu's eventful life.

Sakamoto Ryoma met Katsu Kaishu in his youth and is said to have been influenced by Kaishu's Myoken devotion. Since Myoken Bosatsu is the deified North Star and a guardian of directions, the deity resonated with Ryoma, who pursued maritime and shipping ventures. Together with his comrades at the Kobe Naval Training Center, he is said to have shared the worldview of Myoken faith.