Myths & Deities Straw Dragon Ritual for Rain: A Hidden Japanese Folk Tradition
■IntroIn rural Japan, people once relied on nature for survival.When drought threatened crops, communities turned to anc...
Myths & Deities
Myths & Deities 
Myths & Deities A Samurai Parade at Matsue Castle: A Lucky Encounter on April 4
On April 4, I had an unexpected but unforgettable experience at Matsue Castle.While walking around the castle grounds, I...
Myths & Deities Tsuchigumo: The Legendary Spider Demon in Japanese Kagura Performance
Tsuchigumo, known as the legendary spider demon in Japanese folklore, is one of the most dramatic and visually striking ...
Myths & Deities Samurai Procession at Matsue Castle: A Living Journey into Japan’s Feudal Past
🌸 A Spring Day Where History Comes AliveOn April 4th, under a soft canopy of cherry blossoms, the streets around Matsue ...
Myths & Deities Shishimai: How Japan Made the Lion Dance Its Own
At first glance, Shishimai may resemble other lion dances found across Asia, but in Japan it evolved into a unique ritua...
Myths & Deities Leaving Words at the Boundary
— Yomotsu HirasakaA Boundary Without ExplanationA large rock stands quietly in the forest,marked with a sacred rope.Noth...
Myths & Deities Where Life Is Prayed for, on the Edge of the Sea
On a quiet stretch of Japan’s coastline, a small temple clings to a cliff — a place where people come to pray for safe c...
Myths & Deities Closing the Journey of the Seven Lucky Gods
Together, the Seven Lucky Gods embody the many forms of happiness sought in everyday life—prosperity, longevity, wisdom,...
Myths & Deities Benzaiten – The Goddess of Music, Wisdom, and Art
Benzaiten is the only female deity among Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods, revered as the goddess of music, eloquence, wisdom, a...
Myths & Deities Jurojin – God of Longevity | One of the Seven Lucky Gods
Jurojin is one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, revered as the deity of longevity, health, and gentle fortune.His origi...