Okinawa’s Shisa Legacy: Exploring the Magic of Lion-Dog Statues

If you’re ever in Okinawa, Japan, you might come across statues of creatures that resemble a cross between a dog and a lion. Don’t be spooked. These statues are shisa dogs, and they are there for the spiritual protection of everyone around.

This post explores the world of shisa, Okinawa’s mystic statues, and what they represent in Japanese culture. We'll cover everything from their history, mythology, symbolism, design, and regional variations. 

Introduction: Discovering the World of Shisa

Shisa is a pair of creatures, resembling a cross between dogs and lions, from ancient Okinawan mythology. They are believed to ward off evil spirits. In real life, shisa is depicted by a pair of lion-dog statues and artifacts placed on rooftops or either flanks of a gateway. 

Shisa plays a major role in Okinawa, particularly the Ryukyu Islands, which make up a large part of the prefecture. According to the local mythology, shisa are fanged creatures that serve as guardians. Each pair typically consists of a male and female shisa dog. The male shisa is often depicted with his mouth wide open and is said to scare off evil spirits. The female shisa typically has her mouth closed and is believed to keep good spirits on the premises.

The shisa have become emblematic of Okinawan identity, appearing in a variety of local arts and crafts. Their statues, artifacts, and miniature souvenirs are all over the Ryukyu Islands, where they serve as popular attractions for both locals and tourists.

The Origins of Shisa: History and Mythology

These mythological creatures are a variation of the “guardian lions,” which originated from China. In Chinese mythology, the guardian lions come in pairs (male and female), and they protect buildings from harmful spirits. They were typically made of stones and placed in front of imperial palaces and tombs. The Chinese guardian lions spread to other regions of Asia, including Japan.

In the 14th century, the beasts were introduced to the Ryukyu Kingdom (Okinawa) directly from China due to the abundant trade between the two regions. Shisa became popularly known as “guardian dogs” in the Edo Period (1603-1868). In Ryukyuan culture, the creatures served as traditional artifacts with protective powers and were placed at the entrance to castles, shrines, and residences.

The term shisa is an Okinawan variation of the Sanskrit word sinha, which translates to “lion” in English. At first, the gender of each lion dog was assigned randomly. However, with time, the closed-mouth shisa became popularly known as the female one, and the open-mouth shisa was the male. Based on Okinawan mythology and feng shui philosophy, the shisa’s mouth closed to keep out evil and keep in good, while the mouth opened to scare evil spirits away.

Symbolism and Meaning Behind Shisa

The cultural symbolism of shisa dogs is mainly tied to their physical appearances. As we discussed earlier, the closing and opening of the mouths represent their protective role against evil spirits and misfortune. In some variations, the lion dog might have a golden sphere underneath one paw. Such an appearance symbolizes its role in bringing wealth, prosperity, and a bountiful harvest to the area. Another belief states that the use of one shisa will only prevent fire and not all forms of misfortune.

The shisa are not placed randomly. They are strategically fixed based on the feng shui calculations by religious architects. You’ll find them on rooftops and either side of the entrance to a house, compound, or street where they can be most intimidating to evil spirits.

Design and Characteristics of Shisa Statues

Shisa have distinct physical features that set them apart from other mythical lion dogs like the Chinese guardian lions and the Japanese komainu. They have fierce yet friendly expressions. Both the male and female shisa have stylized manes.

Shisa is typically made of clay or other ceramic materials. In Okinawa, shisa made out of Tsuboya pottery are the most revered. They feature locally sourced clay and enamel. Other materials used to make the artifacts are Ryukyu limestone, sandstone, concrete, glass, metal, resin, and plaster. The statues they produce come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors. 

Regional Variations: Shisa Across Okinawa and Japan

There are differences in traditional shisa styles found in various parts of Okinawa and mainland Japan. These differences reflect local traditions and regional influences. There are three main types of shisa in Japan:

• Palace or temple lions: These are artistic lions created during the Ryukyu Kingdom Period. They were placed at castle gates, temple grounds, and royal tombs. Typically made of stone, the lion dogs don’t just protect from evil; they also symbolize national authority.

• Domestic or house lions: These are the most common types of shisa. House shisa grace the rooftops and entrances of local households and are often made of concrete, porcelain, or plaster.

• Village lions: Nearly every village entrance in Okinawa features a shisa statue. This has been a common sight since the 17th century. 

Shisa in Everyday Okinawan Life

Shisa are integrated into daily life in Okinawa, from being placed on rooftops and gates to serving as talismans in homes and businesses. You can hardly walk down a street without spotting some variation of the artifact. The sight of the shisa in a residence, office, or store can create a welcoming atmosphere for people with knowledge of the culture. Many Okinawan communities have their own folklore and legends about the local shisa statues and pass these stories from one generation to the next.

Some households even offer shisa to their guests. According to local customs, shisa gifts are signs of generosity, hospitality, and warmth. For businesses, shisa brings good fortune and prosperity, so business owners love to place it in front of their buildings.

Myths and Legends: The Protective Powers of Shisa

In this section, we’ll explore the traditional beliefs that imbue shisa with protective powers by sharing popular Okinawan myths and stories about the creatures. Check out the following legends:

• The Nobleman and the Boy: According to Okinawan folklore, a nobleman from the region gifted a shisa artifact to a young boy. One day, the boy’s village was attacked by an evil dragon. The shisa, which was originally inanimate, transferred into a live lion dog and fought off the dragon.

• The King and the Sea Dragon: In another legend, the Ryukyuan king received a necklace with a shisa figurine hanging from it. The village of Madanbashi was under siege by a monstrous sea dragon that sprung from nearby Naha Bay. The king was instructed in a dream to go to the beach and raise the figurine. He did as he was told, and the shisa came to life with a loud roar. There is a cultural belief that the roar of the shisa during the confrontation caused a large rock to fall on the dragon's tail, and that rock is now known as Ganna-mui Island.

• The Tomimori Fires: In 1689, Tomimori village endured frequent fire outbreaks. Desperate and afraid, the local folk asked Saiozui, a feng shui master, for advice. He told them that the fires were caused by the energy of the nearby Mt. Yaese. Also, he recommended that they build a shisa in stone and ensure that it was facing the mountain. According to Saiozui, the guardian lion would suppress the mountain’s power. They did as instructed, and since then, the village has not experienced any more fire outbreaks.

Shisa as Art and Tourism: Iconic Statues and Attractions

Modern shisa has transcended their traditional roles to become celebrated works of art. The new culture surrounding these artifacts fuses modern art and traditional crafts. The most popular shisa statues are available in public places throughout Okinawa, especially in Naha City, Yomitan Village, and Tsuboya District, where artisans carve traditional pieces. Many museums in the prefecture display ancient statues of the mythical creatures. Some of the oldest shisa statues in Okinawa appeal to visitors from around the world and serve as tourist attractions.

Where to See Shisa: A Guide to Iconic Locations in Okinawa

The following are our recommendations on the best places to experience shisa in person. Feel free to pay any of these landmarks a visit when you’re in Japan.

• Tomimori Village: Built in 1689, the large stone shisa of Tomimori is the same statue associated with the legend of the fires and Mt. Yaese. It is one of the oldest shisa in the country and is set to have survived nearby battles during World War II. The village shisa is illuminated every August 15 as part of the local Fifteen Nights Festival.

• Naha City: Shuri in Naha City is famous for its palace shisa. You will find one at the gate of Tamaryo, a mausoleum housing the tombs of Ryukyuan royalty. There is a pair of stone shisa at Shuri Castle’s second gate. Some tourist centers in Tsuboya Yachimun Street, Naha City, allow you to craft your own shisa. This street also hosts a “Shisa Day” festival on April 3.

• Taketomi Island: The gates and roofs on the island feature some of the most impressive displays of shisa in the country.

Don’t just stop at these places; Okinawa is a large area with lots of tourist attractions for you to explore. Check out our in-depth Okinawa travel guide to discover the best places to visit and things to do.

Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Shisa in Modern Japan

Although much of the new shisa art has been modernized, they have retained their role as cultural guardians and artistic icons. These lion-dog statues continue to inspire pride and protection among Okinawans while captivating a global audience with their charm and history.

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