About
In the heart of Okinawa's verdant landscapes, atop a gentle rise in the village of Tomori, stands a sentinel of stone—the venerable Tomori Stone Lion. Carved from a single massive rock, this guardian has weathered the passage of over three centuries, its gaze steadfastly fixed upon the distant silhouette of Yaese-dake, the mountain it was destined to confront.
The tale of this stone lion is woven into the fabric of the village's history. In the late 17th century, the villagers of Tomori were besieged by relentless fires, their homes and fields succumbing to the unrelenting flames. Desperate for relief, they sought the counsel of a renowned feng shui master from Kume Village. After surveying the land, the master discerned that the fiery nature of Yaese-dake was the source of their tribulations. His prescription was both symbolic and profound: to carve a lion from stone and position it to face the mountain, thereby quelling its fiery temperament. (town.yaese.lg.jp)
Heeding this advice, the villagers sculpted the lion in 1689, a formidable figure standing 141.2 centimeters tall and stretching 175.8 centimeters in length. With its mouth agape in a silent roar, the lion was placed atop the ruins of the ancient Serigusu Castle, its posture one of eternal vigilance. Remarkably, following the installation of this guardian, the fires that had plagued Tomori ceased, and the village flourished under its watchful eyes. (okinawastory.jp)
As the years unfurled, the stone lion bore witness to the ebb and flow of time. It stood resilient through the tumult of the Pacific War, even as the land around it was scarred by conflict. The lion itself bears the pockmarks of history—bullet holes from battles fought in its shadow, silent testaments to the resilience of the land and its people. (sanpo.ifdef.jp)
Today, the Tomori Stone Lion remains a symbol of protection and perseverance. Visitors who ascend the path to its perch are greeted not only by the lion's imposing presence but also by panoramic views of the surrounding countryside—a patchwork of fields and forests stretching toward the horizon. The air is thick with the scent of blooming flora, and the gentle rustle of leaves provides a serene soundtrack to the scene.
Local traditions continue to honor this guardian. Each year, on the first day of the tenth lunar month, villagers gather to pay homage to the lion, offering prayers and tokens of gratitude for its enduring protection. This ritual, known as "Kamado no Onegai," underscores the deep connection between the community and their stone sentinel. (okibluesky.com)
The Tomori Stone Lion is more than a mere sculpture; it is a living emblem of the village's history, culture, and resilience. Its presence serves as a bridge between the past and the present, a reminder of the enduring spirit of the people of Tomori. For those who stand before it, the lion offers not only a glimpse into Okinawa's rich heritage but also an invitation to reflect on the timeless dance between humanity and the natural world.