#miyakojima

These two are the Ataraka Shisa, an art piece by Riko Ushiyama. The pictures were taken in 2019, at the Miyako Airport in Miyakojima, Okinawa.

The statues are made from various shells, glass beads, red tiles and travertine (a type of lime stone), all recycled, repurposed materials. "Ataraka" is a Miyakoan language word with a similar meaning to Japanese "mottainai", or the English saying "Waste not, want not."

Shisa are traditional Ryukyuan guard dog statues, and usually come in pairs, with the right one having it's mouth open to ward of evil spirits and the left one closed to keep good spirits in. They can be found everywhere in Okinawa, small ones are also a common souvenier item. I have a pair on my bookself myself.

Recently, Growlithe was named the Ambassador Pokémon for the Okinawa Prefecture. Growlithe is already based on these type of guardian statues, and with the twin mascots also having a closed and an open mouth they fit in with the shisa very well.

Tropical sunset novelty pattern for this kimono depicting shadowed yashinoki (palm trees). I love how its reminds me of this pic I took in Miyakojima yeaaaars ago:

Summer Festival: Fujinomiya Yakisoba, Chikuwa Salad & Miyakojima Yakisoba - August 2023

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スジグロカバマダラ

ステンドグラス感が良い。

R4.8