Okinawaya store constructs 3-meter tall Shisa statues on Kokusai-dori to provide spiritual protection from COVID-19 for Okinawa
A pair of giant Shisa statues installed in front of Okinawaya on Kokusai-dori – August 27, in Makishi, Naha
August 30, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
Okinawaya installed giant Shisa statues that reach over three meters in height in front of their flagship store on Kokusai-dori in Makishi, Naha, delighting both Okinawans and tourists who visit the street.
Each statue weighs 300 kilograms and reaches a height of 3 meters and 30 centimeters, and the two combine measure around 4 meters across. The statues are original characters by Okinawaya, which were designed and manufactured 13 years ago, and have been in storage at a heavy machinery company for a long time.
The two statues are intimately huddled together in front of the store, and have been given the name, “Okinawaya LOVELOVE Shisa.” The effects of COVID-19 continue to create a harsh economic environment in Okinawa, but a representative from the store thinks, “They are big, but are cute and have smiling faces. I want [the statues] to provide some positive energy in these times.”
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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Webcam(Kokusai Street)
