The founder of the sect, Kukai (774-835) was born at Byobu-ga-ura Sanuki-no-kuni (讃岐国屏風浦) (current Zentsu-ji City, Kagawa Prefecture); and as a thinker, writer and talented calligrapher from among the Sanpitsu (the three great calligraphers of history), as well as a Buddhist, he had a strong influence on Japanese culture in later years.
宗祖・空海（774-835年）は、讃岐国屏風浦（現・香川県善通寺市）の出身で、仏教者であるとともに思想家、著述家、また「三筆」の1人に数えられる能書家として、後の日本文化に多大な影響を与えた人物である。