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When you visit Okinawa, you may often see a “Shisa” on a roof or at an entrance, glaring at you.
In fact, this “Okinawa guardian” is deeply infused with the tradition of lion statues from the ancient Orient and the feng shui philosophy of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
If you have acquired a shisa, knowing its history and placement points will ensure that it will protect your home and your luck.
We have compiled useful information from sightseeing to daily life, from the origin of shisa to tips on how to decorate them. We hope you will try to incorporate the power of Okinawa into your daily life.
- 1 Origin and Origin of Shisa
- 2 Click here for online sales of seersucker.
- 3 Cultural and Religious Meanings of Shiisa
- 4 Types and Characteristics of Shisa
- 5 Click here for online sales of seersucker.
- 6 Shisa Production Techniques and Materials
- 7 The Role of Shiisa in Modern Times
- 8 Five famous Shisa installation sites in Okinawa
- 9 Tourist information related to Shisa
- 10 Points on how to place and decorate Shi-sa
- 11 summary
- 12 Climate and Clothing by Month
- 13 If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
- 14 special feature article
Origin and Origin of Shisa
Shisa,” with a beaming or powerful expression on their faces, can be seen on street corners or at the entrance of private homes in Okinawa, making people smile when they see them for the first time.
However, when you learn more about the background, you will realize that they are not just cute figurines, but rather the dynamic historical drama of how the Asian continental culture crossed the sea and took root in Okinawa.
Here, we will introduce, from a tourist perspective, the surprising roots of the shisa, its introduction during the Ryukyu Kingdom, and its progression to villages and ordinary households.
Origin and transmission
How a lion statue was called “Shisa
It is said that the Sanskrit word “lion = sinha” was changed in the Okinawan dialect and became the lovely sounding “shisa.
Statues of lions, such as the Egyptian sphinx, Chinese stone lions, and Japanese komainu (guardian dogs), have been considered sacred in many parts of the world and have become symbols to protect palaces and sanctuaries. It is believed that the culture of lion statues naturally took root in Ryukyu (Okinawa), which was also a region with active trade with China and Southeast Asia.
However, the original “lion statues” that came to Okinawa were not in the Chinese style, but were gradually transformed into today’s Shisa as they were adapted to Okinawa’s climate and people’s beliefs.
If you are visiting as a tourist, it might be interesting to visit a museum or archive in Naha or the surrounding area to see an exhibit that summarizes how lion statues spread throughout Asia.
By comparing photographs and actual stone lions and komainu of various types, you can get a sense of how Ryukyuan shisa came to have their unique expressions.
Introduction to the Kingdom of the Ryukyus: The Guardian Lion Nurtured by the Royal City
From the 13th to 15th centuries, the Ryukyus had deepening trade relations with China.
It is believed that during that period, the culture of stone lions guarding the court of Chinese emperors and the philosophy of feng shui were introduced to the island across the sea.
The lion statues placed at Shuri Castle and other castle gates and royal tombs were initially accepted by the Okinawan people while retaining their regal, continental appearance.
However, the lion statues were not “copied exactly as they were,” but rather, as the Okinawan view of sacred places and their own style of praying to the gods were added, the statues were transformed into somewhat more charming figures.
If you like visiting castles, take the time to observe the expressions on the faces of the stone lions that sit here and there when you visit the Shuri Castle Ruins, a World Heritage Site.
You may find a seersucker that is solemn as the guardian of the royal castle, but also has a “friendly” atmosphere.
Early Shisa in Okinawa
One of the oldest existing lion statues in Okinawa: Stone Lion of Urasoe Yodore
The most famous lion statue from the earliest period that can be confirmed in Okinawa is the one placed in the tomb of King Yeongjo “Urasoe Yodore” in Urasoe City.
Although there are various theories as to when it was built, it is estimated to be around the 15th century, and this is a valuable heritage that shows the lion culture of the early Ryukyu Kingdom.
The fact that they were set up as guardians of the tombs of kings and noble families indicates that they were still rare at that time.
As a sightseeing route, it is recommended to visit Urasoe Yodorei before or after visiting historical spots around Shuri such as Shuri Castle and Tamauraung.
The area around the cemetery is lush and green, and visitors will be able to feel the vestiges of the Ryukyu Kingdom in the serenity of the area. The stone lions seen here are much more realistic than modern shisa, realistically conveying the carving techniques of the time and their presence as symbols of authority.
Installation in royal and mausoleum tombs: the charm of Shisa and Palace Lion in Jade Mausoleum
From the end of the 15th century to the 16th century, as the Ryukyu Kingdom was established and the main island and outlying islands were integrated with Shuri as a base, court rituals and architectural styles were refined.
The Okreung, built around 1501, is known as a place where visitors can experience firsthand how the “palace lions” of the time protected the place while demonstrating their royal authority.
Walking through the streets of Shuri, lions can be seen and hidden not only in castle ruins, but also in roadside monuments and halls.
At such times, think to yourself, “Is that a shisa as a symbol of authority, or is it a guardian to whom people have prayed?
Surely, you will not only walk around, but also imagine the breath of the Ryukyu Islands that has continued for hundreds of years, making your stroll more flavorful.
Dissemination to villages and private homes
Stone lions protecting villages and hamlets: Tomimori’s shisa stopped a fire!
It is said that the fire riot in Tomimori Village (now Yaese Town) in 1689 was a major catalyst for Shisa, which protects royal castles and tombs, to penetrate more into the lives of common people.
The villagers were troubled by frequent fires, and on the advice of a feng shui master, they installed a stone lion on top of a hill, and the fires stopped as if it were a lie.
Tomimori’s stone-carved large lion is compact, measuring only 1.4 m high, but with a solid physique, sitting as if glaring at a mountain in the distance.
When one thinks of the history of the village, which has continued to watch over it despite the many bullet wounds it received during the later Battle of Okinawa, one is struck by the fact that it was truly a spiritual center for the villagers, and not just a mere memento.
If you are visiting as a tourist, you may feel more familiar with the local folklore by taking a leisurely stroll through the hills to see the stone lions in the midst of rich nature.
From the Meiji Era onward, the “roof shisa” was loved by ordinary households.
In the former Ryukyu Kingdom, the use of red tiles was a privilege reserved for the upper classes.
With the modernization of Japan by the Meiji government, the barriers between the two types of tiles gradually disappeared, allowing common people to adopt red tiles for their houses, and at the same time, the practice of “placing Shisa on the roof” spread.
Furthermore, some tile makers demonstrated their craftsmanship in handcrafting shisa out of plaster when repairing roofs, resulting in a completely different looking shisa for each house.
It is because of this history that today, when you walk around Okinawa, you often see reddish-brown shisa statues perched atop rows of houses.
Some are “powerful” with their large, protruding teeth, while others are “healing” with their plump, gentle expressions, and the more you look at them, the more unique they become.
Shisa are also sold as souvenirs made of various materials such as ceramics, Ryukyu glass, and stone carving, so please enjoy the pleasure of finding your favorite face to take home.
Travel Tip: Plan a trip around the theme of Shisa.
When you come to Okinawa, you can of course visit beautiful beaches and world heritage sites, but it is also fun to create a sightseeing route that focuses on “Shisa” (Okinawan traditional Okinawan statues).
If you stay in Naha, visit the pottery studios on Tsuboya Yachimun Street to see the craftsmanship of the makers, and then go to the ruins of Shuri Castle and Tamaryo to compare the appearance of the palace lions, and you will notice that the same lion statue has a very different expression and construction.
If you go back to Yaese Town on a new day, you will find yourself on a hill where the stone lion of Tomimori stands, and you will be reminded of the air of the legend of fire protection. If you look up at the roofs of the houses, you will see shisa statues placed here and there.
While on such a “Shisa-hunting trip,” you may feel familiar with Okinawa’s unique history and gradually come to understand the culture that local people have inherited as a “guardian deity” of the island.
Sometimes it is a good idea to ask the locals, “What is the origin of the shisa here?” You will surely get a variety of legends and stories, which will make your trip even more intense. You will surely receive a variety of legends and stories that will make your trip even richer.
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Cultural and Religious Meanings of Shiisa
When walking around Okinawa, you will encounter shisa at various places such as gates, entrance halls, and on roofs.
People tend to be attracted by its cute and powerful appearance, but in fact, it has long been trusted by people as a charm against evil that protects their homes and communities from disasters.
We will introduce the cultural and religious meanings of shisa, along with perspectives on how they can be enjoyed in your travels.
Why is Shisa a “guardian deity”?
Harsh expressions and the power to bring good fortune
If you look closely at Shisa, you will notice that his face is rather stern and his mouth is wide open.
Okinawans have long believed that this intimidating expression drives away demons and evil spirits, while at the same time the open mouth beckons in good fortune.
If you pay attention to how the shisa you encounter on street corners look, you will notice that each one has subtle differences.
Some have intimidating, toothy faces, while others have somewhat comical and charming expressions.
If you venture to get close and take the time to “face” them, you may be able to sense the wishes of the local people.
Why both repelling evil and opening the door to good fortune are possible
The shisa is sometimes explained in this way: “It repels bad chi from the outside and attracts only good chi.
Underlying these ideas are the unique view of feng shui and folk beliefs that have been handed down since the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and that have made Shisa a familiar and reliable presence for the Okinawan people.
If you see one on your journey, please stop for a moment and ask yourself, “What evil spirit has this shisa driven away, or what good fortune has it brought? What kind of blessings has this Shisa brought? It is one of the joys of traveling.
Shisa fostered by Feng Shui and folk beliefs
Historical Background of the Ryukyu Kingdom and Feng Shui Master
In the past, during the Ryukyu Kingdom, there were feng shui masters involved in politics and architecture, and it is reported that they influenced the development of important national facilities and towns.
When building houses, castles, and villages, they searched for points where they could block the “flow of evil spirits,” and by placing shisa there, they set up wards.
When strolling through the streets of Naha and Shuri, you may come across a shisa placed on a gate or in a corner of a stone wall, perhaps as a result of feng shui calculations, as if the shisa were placed at a “strategic point.
Along with the historical stroll, you can also enjoy a more in-depth trip by wondering, “Is this place a demon’s gate in terms of feng shui?” is another way to enjoy a more in-depth trip.
legend of Tomimori’s fire prevention
One famous episode is the legend that a stone-carved large lion from Tomimori, Yaese-cho, quelled a fire.
In 1689, in a village where fires were frequent, a feng shui master advised people to place a lion facing that direction to suppress the fire energy of Mt. Yaese, and when they did so, the fires stopped.
This event is said to have triggered the popular installation of shisa at the village level, especially in the southern part of Okinawa.
If you actually visit Tomimori and go to the hill where the stone lion stands, you will feel the quiet strength that has protected the village over the years as it stares at the mountains in the distance.
Lion Statue Culture Spreading in East Asia
Feng Shiye” in Southern China and Taiwan
Shisa are often thought to be indigenous to Okinawa, but in fact, the belief in lion statues to ward off evil spirits is widespread throughout East Asia.
For example, on Kinmen Island in Taiwan, there is a stone lion called “Fu-Shi-Ye,” which is also displayed as a “guardian deity” to protect the village. It has a strong meaning of protecting the village from wind and rain, keeping fire away, and avoiding typhoon damage, and its cultural background is very similar to that of Okinawa’s Shi-sa.
Some travelers might say, “I would like to take a trip to Taiwan or Fujian Province to compare the genealogy of lion statues (shisa). Shisa is one symbolic figure in reliving the history of trade and cultural exchange between Okinawa and the Asian continent.
East Asian Spread of Lion Statue Beliefs
Originally, lions were not native to Asia, but only their “guardian god” form was introduced via the continental world of Egypt, India, and China, where the Sphinx is found, giving rise to unique forms and beliefs in each region.
The richness of the Shisa’s expressions in Okinawa, and the different construction of each house, are the result of the lion statues that came from the continent, absorbing and changing with the climate and beliefs of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
The originality of Ryukyuan culture emerges more clearly when you tour Okinawa with comparisons to lion statues from different lands in mind.
Okinawa’s unique religious background and Shisa’s multifaceted function
Use” of fire and bad luck repellant
In Okinawa, there is a local tradition that says, “If you place only one Shisa, it will ward off fire, and if you place several Shisa, it will ward off bad luck in general.
Of course, not all regions and households have the same interpretation, but in fact, village shisa are often seen as a single unit, while private homes often have a male-female pair.
Think of it this way: “A single Shisa is specialized to fight fires, while multiple Shisa can ward off a wide range of bad luck” – the time spent looking up at the Shisa sitting on rooftops and in front of gates becomes even more enjoyable.
Social and Celestial Aspects of the Shiisa Guarding the Village Border
In the old days, some shisa were placed on the boundary between villages.
The lions were expected to have both a social role of “preventing evil from coming from elsewhere” and magical power at the same time. If you visit remote islands in Okinawa, you will see stone lions at the entrances to villages, clearly indicating the line between “the outside world from here” and “our village over here”. The atmosphere of the village is like a clear line between the outside world and our village.
It is very interesting to the traveler to see how people have come to rely on the shisa to protect the entire community.
Beyond its mere impression as an ornament, it is also good evidence of how much the Okinawan people have cherished the shisa in their daily lives.
Types and Characteristics of Shisa
There are three main types of lions : palace lions, village lions, and house lions.
| type | Place and period of installation | Purpose and Features |
|---|---|---|
| artistic lion on temple grounds | Ryukyu Kingdom Period (castle gates, Utaki, etc.) | Shisa combines national authority and protection from evil. They are often made of stone and installed in royal tombs and Shuri Castle. |
| village lion | Entrance to each village and hillside (late 17th century~) | The original stone-carved large lion by Tomimori is believed to have been carved in 1689. |
| domestic lion | Roofs and entrances of private houses (Meiji era and after) | Shisa widely spread in ordinary households. They are made of unglazed porcelain, plaster, and in recent years, concrete and resin. The custom of placing them on roofs and gateposts has taken root. |
Mouth opening and closing and female
The most common pair of shisa is often depicted with one mouth open (“A”, male) and the other mouth closed (“Un”, female).
- Male (mouth open): drives away evil spirits
- Female (mouth closed): inviting in good fortune without missing it
However, this is a folklore interpretation, and left/right = male/female is not necessarily fixed.
Variation of form
Each region and craftsman has a different shape and expression, so diverse that it is said that “no two are alike in the world. Various designs can be seen, ranging from a realistic lion style to a comical face.
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Shisa Production Techniques and Materials
Traditional materials
- Stone carving (Ryukyu limestone, sandstone, etc.)
Used extensively in royal castles and village shisa. - Plaster
improvised shisa molding on the roof, utilizing lime used to fix tile roofing. - Pottery
Unglazed (rough fired) reddish brown type or glazed colorful Yachimun Shisa.
Modern and Contemporary Materials and Mass Production
Today, a wide variety of materials are used, including concrete, resin, glass, and metal. More and more products are being molded and mass-produced in factories, and are widely distributed as souvenirs for tourists.
Inheritance of traditional techniques
In Tsuboya, Naha City, and Yomitan Village, there are still artisans alive and well who continue to make one-of-a-kind shisa by traditional hand-building and carving. The handmade culture is still alive and well today, as seen in the restoration of village lions lost after World War II and the challenge of new designs.
The Role of Shiisa in Modern Times
Shisa in everyday space
- Place it on the roof or at the entrance.
Shisa sits in many houses in Okinawa as a guardian deity to ward off misfortune and protect the family. - In stores and offices, too.
Many establishments decorate their entrances and lobbies with the intention of prospering business and welcoming visitors.
Symbol of Okinawan culture
- Photo spots for sightseeing
Tourists are constantly taking pictures of giant Shisa, such as the Yoneko Yaki Shisa Farm on Ishigaki Island. - Adaptation to public and design
Shisa are also depicted on vending machines, aircraft (RAC) tails, signboards and logos, etc. to create a sense of Okinawan-ness.
Evolution in terms of design and art
Modern Shisa by young artists, Shisa incorporating the colors of Bingata, and works fused with glass crafts are also on display. The fusion of traditional crafts and modern art is creating a new Shisa culture.
Five famous Shisa installation sites in Okinawa
Large lion carved in stone in Tomimori (Tomimori, Yaese Town)
- Okinawa’s oldest and largest village shisa
A stone lion about 1.4 m high and 1.75 m long, said to have been erected in 1689 to ward off fire. It still bears gunshot wounds from World War II, which tells of its history of withstanding the fires of war.
Shisa at Tamaudong (Shuri, Naha City)
- Guarding the mausoleum of the Ryukyuan royal family
This is a palace lion installed on the gate of the Tamaryo (mausoleum) built by King Shojin in 1501. It is a designated cultural property of Naha City and shows the advanced carving techniques of the time.
Shuri Castle: Stone Lion of Kankaimon (Shuri, Naha City)
- Symbols protecting the royal city of Shuri.
A pair of stone lions stand on either side of the second gate of Shuri Castle, the “Huangaimon” (Gate of Happiness). The original lions were lost during the Battle of Okinawa, but now there is a restored version.
Shisa, the roof of Taketomi Island (Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County)
- A treasure house of simple and cute handmade Shisa
Countless small Shisa are mounted on the red-tiled roofs and gateposts of Taketomi Island and are an important landscape element of the island. Many of them have unique expressions, and some people go “looking for Shisa” while strolling around the island.
Yoneko Yaki Shisa Farm (Kabira, Ishigaki City)
- A large collection of colorful and unique creative Shisa
A garden with over 100 Shisa works. The garden is popular for its photogenic space, including an art Shisa that seems to swallow people with its large mouth.
Tourist information related to Shisa
Shisa-making experience spot
- Tsuboya Yachimun Street (Naha City)
The center of Okinawan ceramics. Many pottery stores and studios offer hands-on painting and hand-binning.
- Experience Kingdom Murasakimura (Yomitan Village)
Plans that include a photo shoot of traditional costumes are popular.
- Ryukyukama (Nakijin Village)
Mold and paint unglazed shisa at a studio overlooking the ocean. The charm of this workshop is that it is easy to participate without a reservation.
Shisa Day and festivals
- April 3 “Shisa Day”
This is a commemorative day created from a combination of words. Events and workshops related to Shisa will be held at Tsuboya Yachimun Street. - Tomimori’s Fifteen Nights Festival in Yaese Town
On August 15 of the lunar calendar, the Karojin and Yamatojin processions will be reenacted, and the stone lion front of Tomimori will be illuminated, allowing visitors to experience the unique traditions of the area.
Shisa Souvenirs
- Ornament type
Various sizes and materials including unglazed ware and glass. Available at Kokusai-dori and Tsuboya. - Sundries
Many variations including T-shirts, key chains, stuffed animals, stickers, etc. They are readily available at airports and large souvenir stores. - Crafts and Artwork
There are also one-of-a-kind shisa made by traditional craftsmen at kilns in Yomitan Village and Tsuboya. The prices are high, but they are souvenirs that will last a lifetime.
Points on how to place and decorate Shi-sa
- Orientation
It is common to place it facing the direction (entrance or window) where bad vibes are said to enter. - Height
It is said to be best to decorate it slightly higher than the line of sight as much as possible to keep an eye out for bad luck. - A pair (A-Un) Shisa
It is orthodox to arrange a pair of Shisa at the entrance or near the entrance. The arrangement of the male and female may differ from region to region and household to household, and it is no problem to choose according to preference. - Cleaning and care
Keep your Shisa clean by wiping the dust off it after you have welcomed it as a guardian deity. It is said that regular care will create good chi pathways.
summary
Shisa, the lion image worship that began in the ancient Orient, was introduced to the Ryukyus, and over its long history has become established as a guardian deity unique to Okinawa.
The role of the lion has expanded from the palace lion, which symbolized the authority of the royal family, to the village lion, which protects the village from disasters, to the house lion, which adorns the roofs of houses, and has now become a “symbol of Okinawa” that combines everyday scenery and tourist attractions.
Materials, designs, and installation locations have diversified over time.
Shisa are beloved not only as guardian statues to ward off evil spirits, but also as art and interior decoration, and are an indispensable part of Okinawan culture. When you visit Okinawa, look for them on roadsides, rooftops, tourist spots, and galleries. You will be able to experience the history behind each one and feel the charm of Okinawa even more profoundly.
Climate and Clothing by Month
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
special feature article
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Michi no Eki (Roadside Stations) and direct sales shops in Okinawa are very popular tourist attractions. Each has its own unique characteristics, making them 200% worth visiting! Please visit them!
Special feature on beaches on the main island of Okinawa!
The main island of Okinawa has many wonderful beaches that can only be found in the tropics. We will introduce each of them in an easy-to-understand manner, from the very secluded to the well-serviced executive beaches.
Typhoon Okinawa
We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.
