Okinawa

Jun 8, 2015 - 1 min read

Shisa on Taketomi Island

Lion-dog guardians abound in this subtropical paradise

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

1 of 6

A shisa crouches on a traditional tiled roof on Taketomi Island

A shisa crouches on a traditional tiled roof on Taketomi Island

Another shisa sits guardian on his rooftop

Another shisa sits guardian on his rooftop

It's rare to find a shisa sitting on a porch or veranda

It's rare to find a shisa sitting on a porch or veranda

In recent decades, many artists have given shisa a more colorful, modern image

In recent decades, many artists have given shisa a more colorful, modern image

This shisa is playing the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan instrument that inspired the mainland version, called the shamisen

This shisa is playing the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan instrument that inspired the mainland version, called the shamisen

Even the post office on Taketomi is guarded by a shisa

Even the post office on Taketomi is guarded by a shisa

A shisa crouches on a traditional tiled roof on Taketomi Island

Another shisa sits guardian on his rooftop

It's rare to find a shisa sitting on a porch or veranda

In recent decades, many artists have given shisa a more colorful, modern image

This shisa is playing the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan instrument that inspired the mainland version, called the shamisen

Even the post office on Taketomi is guarded by a shisa

Okinawa is famous for its shisa, lion-dog guardians that are placed either on rooftops or in pairs on pillars outside of homes. They protect the homes from ill-fortune and natural disasters (ie typhoons and fires) and are much valued and loved by islanders. Over the years, the image of the shisa has changed a bit - the once serious looking lion-dogs now come in garishly bright colors and sport hilarious facial expressions but their purpose remains the same. A great place to spot many different varieties of shisa is Taketomi Island. Wander the streets of this well-preserved village and see how many you can discover.

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Mandy Bartok

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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Olga

Olga 9 years ago

These guys are from Iriomote island!

Reply

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

Great find! And lucky you, for getting to go to Iriomote!

Reply

Yui Yamaguchi

Yui Yamaguchi 9 years ago

Love to see shisa on the roof in Okinawa, it's so unique. I bought one pair for our home.

Reply

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

We just bought a pair for our house as well, Yui!

Reply

Olga

Olga 9 years ago

The white one looks like a rock singer with guitar :) Nice shots!

Reply Show all 4 replies

Olga

Olga 9 years ago

Actually I spotted 2 shisa today at the school gates! We are going to Ishigaki island soon and I just can't wait!

Reply

9 comments in total

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Information

500 Taketomi, Taketomicho, Yaeyama Gun, Okinawa Prefecture, 907-1101 (Directions)

Olga

Olga 9 years ago

These guys are from Iriomote island!

Reply

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

Great find! And lucky you, for getting to go to Iriomote!

Reply

Yui Yamaguchi

Yui Yamaguchi 9 years ago

Love to see shisa on the roof in Okinawa, it's so unique. I bought one pair for our home.

Reply

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

We just bought a pair for our house as well, Yui!

Reply

Olga

Olga 9 years ago

The white one looks like a rock singer with guitar :) Nice shots!

Reply Show all 4 replies

Olga

Olga 9 years ago

Actually I spotted 2 shisa today at the school gates! We are going to Ishigaki island soon and I just can't wait!

Reply

9 comments in total

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