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April 23, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Okinawa’s Guardians
Vendors Wanted
Clockwise from the top right: StockPhotosArt/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie
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s you first step onto this island, the wild stare of the shîsâ greets you. If this molded clay form creeps you out, get used to it—the legendary lion dog from Okinawan mythology is seen everywhere—from the fronts of houses, businesses and even rooftops. The statues were brought from China and have impacted Okinawa ever since. No matter the size or age, the shîsâ is always seen as a guardian. Shîsâ always come in pairs: one sits on the right with its mouth open and the other on the left with its mouth closed. An open-mouthed shîsâ scares the ghouls away, while the closed-mouth shîsâ welcome the good spirits in. Local folk stories for these canine creatures are told all around Okinawa. According to one legend, a king
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summons a shîsâ to destroy a dragon. Using its powerful roar, the shîsâ causes a boulder to collapse on the dragon, killing its foe and creating the island known today as Ganna-Mui. It is believed that the only way to attain the protection of a shîsâ by receiving them as gifts. Shîsâ can be found in almost every store for purchase. The price range for the sculptures depends on the size and craftsmanship. Hand-crafted shîsâ make the best souvenirs. Yomitan village carries a selection and even offers the opportunity to mold your own. To learn about what MCCS offers for shîsâ crafting and education, check out mccsokinawa.com/artsandcrafts and mccsokinawa.com/culturalawareness.
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CCS is looking for unique retail, collectible and comic vendors for this year’s Comic Con Okinawa. This event will take place on October 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fieldhouse and Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster. Commercial and private businesses are all welcome to participate as an event vendor. Comic Con Okinawa is the ideal place for vendors of comic and collectible merchants to sell their wares. No matter what your specialty, MCCS has booth space waiting for you. If you or your business is interested in being a vendor for this event, email specialevents@okinawa.usmcmccs.org or call 645-4366/5828 or 098-970-4366. Booth space is limited, please call for more information. Vendor applications are available for pick up at Special Events Bldg 5677 or downloadable online at mccsokinawa.com/festivals.
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