I love Shisa

Old Okinawan folklore tells of a Shisa or Lion-Dog that used its' powers to save the island from sea creatures that threatened catastrophe. When exploring Okinawa you will most definitely see varying interpretations of Shisa. They will be on roof tops, flanking a driveway or a gate, at the front entrance to about any type of building or business and in gardens. They are male and female counterparts with the male usually sitting on the right with its mouth closed and the female on the left with its mouth open. I happen to LOVE Shisa and am trying not to go overboard in my collecting of them. You can see them all over Okinawa, however, unless you have lived here they may not hold the same charm. They are not common in mainland Japan. Anyway, I'm sure my future neighbors will wonder what the funny things on my roof, in my garden or at my front door are.