The Okinawa Islands, located off the southern tip of Japan, are steeped in a rich history that remains a unique part of the country’s well-preserved heritage. Come marathon day, tons of participants came dressed up in the name of fun – my local marathon companion was dressed up as a Shisa, an Okinawan mythological guardian creature. There are always two Shisa statues, a male, and a female. Shisas are similar to gargoyles in that they are seen as protectors and can be seen stationed on rooftops of many buildings in Okinawa. A roof can't be considered truly Okinawan if it doesn't have a shisa! Churadama Main Store. In Okinawa’s 16°C weather, you can. It is impossible for tourists to miss them when they are visiting the Okinawa islands. 99 Get it as soon as Tue, Mar 16 Shisa is a legendary beast statue found in Okinawa and elsewhere. This shisa - located along Route 17 in front of Okinawa World - is perhaps the largest on the park Shisa dogs are available in an endless array of styles, sizes and prices throughout Okinawa Its impossible to go anywhere in Okinawa without seeing shisa dogs perched atop rooftops, crouching on … It is said that a pair of male and female Shisa will chase away monsters when placed on top of a roof or gate. Next is this sign. “Ishigandou” or “Sekkantou” are other pronunciations for the slabs. Photos by Dr. Andrew B. Wertheimer, LIS Program. Shisa are wards, believed to protect from some evils. Photos by Dr. Andrew B. Wertheimer, LIS Program. “Neko Shisa (Cat Shisa)(980 yen for each)” are products by a workshop of Mr. Mitsuo Tensai, who is one of the shisa (guardian lion dog) pottery artists representing Okinawa. The Shisa is a cross between a lion and dog. Okinawa Prefecture has a population of 1,457,162 (2 February 2020) and has a geographic area of 2,281 km 2 (880 sq mi). I recommend you to buy some of them if you visit Okinawa. Shisa dog-lions are not the only guardians that defend Okinawa from demons and evils. Woodwork products are also arrestingly beautiful. The Shisa with a Maile lei on June 29, 2012. It … In addition to being on roofs or by gates, some shisa are placed at village entrances or on hills to protect the whole village or town. Nov 2, 2015 - Inspirations for a Shisa/Foo Dog tattoo. Shisa is a word from Okinawan dialect, meaning lion. You may be familiar with the Shisa, but Ufu is an Okinawa word which you will learn on the tour. In Shima Kutuba (language of Okinawa), Machi-Mai is a word meaning “a stroll around town“. Shoppers can choose to buy a ball that is the same hue as their birthstone. According to the Okinawa Encyclopedia, the stone was originally thought to ward off misfortune, bring happiness, and later became When shisa were brought to Okinawa, it was before the Ryukyu kingdom was officially part of Japan. The shisa protects the inhabitants of a house against evil spirits. Alternatively, they can pick one based on the meaning attributed by the colour. Ishigantou is a kind of stone slab with the Chinese characters “石敢當” carved onto their surface. You can try your hand in making Shisa at a traditional Yachimun pottery studio. A Shisa is a guardian deity which looks like a lion. The University of the Ryukyus presented UHM with a pair of Shisa (Lion Dog) statues to commemorate the establishment of the Center for Okinawan Studies. It is installed on the gates and roofs of buildings, on hills in villages, etc. On June 29, 2012, the Shisa statues were officially received by the UHM Chancellor. The Shisa statues are used as protection from evil spirits. They also offer a variety of 20 to 40 mm tall micro items. In many ways, Ishigaki is the stereotype of the gorgeous, tranquil tropical island surrounded by turquoise ocean, but these colourful shisa and Okinawan monsters are just some of the examples of the island's unique and spirited personality. Just take a look at them , and you will never get bored. Shisa is an artistically embellished lion statue that is common in Okinawa. On June 29, 2012, the Shisa statues were officially received by the UHM Chancellor. Each sphere is made by hand, which is why no two churadama look alike. The first mention of shisa on Okinawa appeared in a … The Shisa with a Maile lei on June 29, 2012. But you've never seen them like this before. The shisa are originally a variation of the Chinese guardian lions (“fu dogs”), and their purpose is the same, to ward off evil spirits. Shisa is a mythology lion-dog statue, which is believed to protect homes against evil and bad luck. 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