Monumental Shisa Statue to Rise from Ashes of Shuri Castle Fire

Okinawa Prefecture has unveiled plans to construct a colossal 10-meter tall shisa lion-shaped statue using damaged roof tiles from the historic Shuri Castle, which was devastated by afire, hit, worksin late October 2019. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Mitsuo Miyagi, a 47-year-old shisa artist and chairman of the Okinawa shisa association, aims to pay tribute to the castle's legacy and cultivate a sense of remembrance and revival within the community.

The tragic fire at Shuri Castle left a lasting impression on the hearts of Okinawans, the cherished symbol of their rich history and cultural heritage having lost eight of its buildings, including the main hall and gates. In the wake of this devastating event, the community has rallied together to support the castle'sreconstruction efforts. Miyagi's vision for the giant shisa statue emerged as a symbol of hope amidst the ashes, offering a unique way to honor the castle's memory while utilizing the damaged roof tiles that once graced its magnificent structures.

Why this matters: The construction of this monumental statue serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and community spirit, demonstrating the ability of people to come together and rebuild in the face of adversity. The construction of this monumental statue serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and community spirit, demonstrating the ability of people to come together and rebuild in the face of adversity. Moreover, this project highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and historical landmarks, which are vital to the identity and sense of community belonging.

Miyagi passionately expressed his motivation behind the project, stating, "The shisa is a symbol of Okinawa. I hope it will remind people of Shuri Castle." Shisa, the traditional Okinawan lion-dog guardians, are deeply rooted in the island's culture and are believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the inhabitants. Commonly placed on rooftops and at the entrances of buildings, these vigilant sentinels hold a special place in the hearts of Okinawans.

The proposed statue, set to be constructed with stucco and mortar, will be adorned with the iconic red tiles salvaged from the castle's ruins. Its imposing presence will stand tall in the city of Tomigusuku, adjacent to Naha, where it will be visible to passengers arriving and departing from Naha Airport. The strategic location ensures that the shisa will serve as a constant symbol of Shuri Castle's significance and the community's unwavering determination to rise above adversity.

Reflecting on his reaction to the devastating fire, Miyagi recalled,"It was a shock. But when I thought about reconstruction, I immediately thought of using the damaged tiles. "This moving sentiment echoes the resilience and resourcefulness of the Okinawan people, who have time and again demonstrated their ability to transform adversity into opportunity."

The project is currently under discussion by city officials, with crowdfunding being considered as one of the potential means to raise the necessary funds. The community's involvement in bringing this vision to life highlights the collective desire to preserve and celebrate Okinawa's cultural heritage. By rallying behind this initiative, the people of Okinawa are not only rebuilding a cherished landmark but also strengthening the bonds that unite them.

The giant shisa statue, taking shape, will stand as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of Okinawa and its people. Miyagi expressed his hopes for the future, saying,"Shisa are a natural part of our lives. We hope that Shuri Castle will become like that again. Through this remarkable endeavor, the people of Okinawa are not only honoring the past but also paving the way for a future filled with dignity, strength, and the unwavering spirit of their beloved island.

Key Takeaways

• Okinawa to build 10m tall shisa statue using damaged Shuri Castle roof tiles.
• The statue aims to pay tribute to the castle's legacy and promote community spirit.
• The project highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and historical landmarks.
• The statue will be constructed with stucco and mortar, adorned with iconic red castle tiles.
• Crowdfunding is being considered to raise funds for the project, promoting community involvement.