I went to shrines for Hatsumoude[ 初詣 ]. Hatsumoude is one of popular cultures in Japanese New Year "Shougatsu"[ 正月 ]. People go to shrines and temples for greeting and praying to gods in Shougatsu every year.
I've always gone to Kanda-Myoujin[ 神田明神 ] 1st January. Kanda-Myoujin locates on the hill which is near Akihabara. It has been one of the big and popular shrines in Tokyo since Edo period. Edo people loved Kanda-Myoujin.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanda_Sh…
Taira-no-Masakado [ 平将門 ] is one of three gods who are living in this shrine. He was the famous as the first warrior who tried to establish the new samurai's society in place of the old peerage's society in 10C.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taira_no…
Originally he was also one of armed peerages who were the Emperor's descendent. But his clan was subject to repeated internal conflicts for a long time. He had fought with his uncles and cousins. But these minor clashes escalated into serious war against the then central government in Kyoto[ 京都 ]. He tried to established independent power in Kanto [ 関東 ](Eastern Japan area). And finally he was subdued and executed by the central government. Tragically he had been regarded as a traitor in Japanese history for a long time.
Japan is a curious country, I think. All people can become a god (kami) in the Japanese way of thinking. Good people and evil people, rich men and poor men, nobility and common folks, you and I… All people will be given a chance to become a member of lots of gods equally when they will pass away.
Japanese shinto's gods "kami"[ 神 ] are quite different from "God" in the monotheism. (This is my opinion, but) I think it’s very similar to "spirits" in Native American tradition rather than God. Japanese think there are a lot of gods near our life. Kami are originally beautiful natures -mountains, rivers, sea, stones, trees and so on- and spirits of deceased people. Even if he/she was a sinner during his lifetime, he/she was forgiven a sin when he/she passed away.
It may be one of curious way of thinking in Japan. But it’s just the Japanese way of thinking.
Taira-no-Masakado was also regarded as a sinner during his lifetime. But, on the other hand, he was deified after his dead.
He was very strong warrior and skilful in wars. So samurais of after ages had revered him. And his spirit of independence regarded as a resistance to an authority. So common folks of after ages had loved him.
And now, he is enshrined in Kanda-Myoujin and some shrines in Japan. He is a kami who protects against dangers and directs a victory of a game.
Japanese Shinto may be curious for you. But if you visit Japan someday, please go to shrines. I hope you will feel unique but warm and calm atmosphere of Japanese tradition then.
:bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon:
Previous journals 
Kanji in Japanese Languagesheltiewolf.deviantart.com/jou…
Cherry Blossoms across the Pacific Oceansheltiewolf.deviantart.com/jou…
Japanese Dogs 1 (Akita)sheltiewolf.deviantart.com/jou…
Japanese Dogs 2 (Shiba)sheltiewolf.deviantart.com/jou…
Japanese Dog 3(Relation between Dogs and Wolves) sheltiewolf.deviantart.com/#/a…
Snow Wall Japansheltiewolf.deviantart.com/jou…
Ookami (A god of the wolf in Japanese Mythology)sheltiewolf.deviantart.com/jou…
Hanabi Festivals -Season of Fireworks in Japan-sheltiewolf.deviantart.com/jou…
Furin (Japanese Wind Bell)sheltiewolf.deviantart.com/jou…
Motsunabe (Japanese Hot Pot)sheltiewolf.deviantart.com/jou…
:bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon:
My fan club was opened. It's a big pleasure for me. ^^My fan club
Established by
I hope you will also join it. ^^
My characters' introduction
Perhaps new visitors don't know their character and backbone. So I write their introduction on my journal. I changed design of their costume recently.
:bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon: :bademoticon:
Takeru [ 武 ]
He is one of the "Heroes of Spiritual Stone"
He is a son of the "Hero of Fire", who passed away (or missed) several years ago. Takeru is proud of his father.
Takeru's mane is brilliant red. His element is fire. He is a brave and indomitable male wolf.
I imaged his costume from Yoroi [ 鎧 ] and Kabuto [ 兜 ]. Yoroi is a traditional Japanese armor which was used by Samurai [ 侍 ]. Kabuto is a helmet used with a yoroi.
An golden something on his head is Kuwagata [ 鍬 形 ]. Kuwagata is a kabuto's decoration. I guess its shape originates from stag beetles and deer. It was a symbol of power and nobility for higher samurai in rank.
A red something on his shoulders are Osode [ 大 袖 ]. Osode is a part of a yoroi. It protected his shoulder from the attacks. It did the function of a shield. Samurai guarded enemy's attack by it. So samurai never had a shield in a battle.
Parts on his front legs are gauntlets. It's called Kote [ 籠手 ]. Kote is samurai's gauntlet.
His symbol on his Kote is Kamon [ 家 紋 ]. Kamon is Japanese family heraldic symbol. Almost all of Japanese have Kamon.
This kamon is "Taka no Ha" [ 鷹 の 羽 ]. It means "Falcon's plume". Two plume cross in the circle. It is one of the popular kamon in Japan. Especially samurais were fond of using this, because they hoped they lived like a brave falcon.
And as this is my family's kamon, So I love it.
Oto (Oto-Tachibana) [ 乙 橘 ]
She is one of the "Heroes of Spiritual Stone". Her element is water.
She is an affectionate, merciful and mild girl. But she will get angry if enemies hurt her family and friends, especially she terribly furious when Takeru is hurt by enemies.
Oto's mother is "the Foxes", father is "the Wolves". So she and her brother is a wolf/fox hybrid. They make good use of wonderful power like Magic, which is called "Genjutu" or "Youjutu".
(Actually, foxes appear in a lot of Japanese folklore as mysterious characters. They often tricked and cursed the people in a weird power. On the other hand, they are worshiped as the servants of Inari-shin. Inari-shin is a god of a good harvest.Well… why did they become the servants of Inari-shin?Since foxes have big tails which looks like good ears of rice, they became it.)
She lost her mother and missed her brother several years ago. Then the Chief (Takeru's grandfather) found her and he has brought up her as his child with Takeru and Inayori.)
She hoped she can meet her brother again someday.
I imaged her ribbon from Hagoromo ( 羽 衣 ) of Tennyo ( 天 女 ).
Tennyo are women who live on heaven. They appear in many Japanese tradision.
They cloth in Hagoromo. Hagoromo has a mysterious power. Tennyo can fly the sky, 'cause they cloth in it.
----------------------------------
The follow is one of Japanese folklore. Long long ago, One Tennyo came from heaven to the earth and played in the water. She took off her Hagoromo and hung it on the tree. One man saw it. He became to love her. So he stole and hid her Hagoromo. Tennyo wasn't able to go back to heaven. She cried and begged him to give her clothes back. But he refused. She had no choice but to married him...
Someday a child was born from her, and he was going to be very happy. But one day, she found her Hagoromo.
She alone went back to heaven. He cried. But she was never going to be back him...
~ Tennyo's folklore exists not only Japan but also East Asia and South-East Asia. ~
Mikabosi [ 甕 星 ]
He is one of the "Heroes of Spiritual Stone". His element is sky.
He is clever and keen wolf. But, at first he confronts Takeru. His girlfriend was taken as a hostage by monsters and he can't disobey their order. But Mikaboshi and Takeru co-operate and rescue his girlfriend from the enemies. Mikabosi thanks Takeru greatly and he becomes Takeru's best friend.
I imaged his armour from an armour (bogu) [ 防 具 ] of Kendo [ 剣 道 ]. Kendo is a Japanese martial art of sword fighting based on a martial art of samurai "Kenjutsu" [ 剣 術 ]. Kendo originates samurais' sword skills in the battle field. There is samurais' way of the life "Bushido" in kendo. It means not only "strength" but also "brevity", "aggressiveness", "politeness", "respect", "calmness", "generosity" and "nobility".
I like a design of Kendo armour.
Yachihoko [ 八 千 矛 ]
He is one of the "Heroes of Spiritual Stone". His element is thunder.
He is a strong and gentle wolf. He like to take care of puppies and weak. But he has a sad memory. His family was killed by enemies and became an orphan. But he overcome the trouble and became a strong warrior. He has hoped to be strong for protecting his family and friends because he dislike to lost them again. He has trained his body and fighting skills hard.
Uzume [ 宇 売 ]
She is one of the "Heroes of Spiritual Stone". Her element is wind.
Her costume originated from Japanese Kimono [ 着 物 ] and Kanzashi [ 簪 ]. As you know, Kimono is Japanese traditional clothes. Kanzashi is a Japanese woman's traditional hair accessory which functions as a hair pin.
Uzume is a cheerful mood maker. Besides she can sing with beautiful voice.
Kibi [ 吉 備 ]
He is one of the "Heroes of Spiritual Stone". His element is earth.
Kibi is a brave warrior. He will lose his friends because monsters kill them. He revenged them. Takeru and his company helped Kibi when Kibi fought against Ura, who killed Kibi's friend.
Inayori [ 稲 依 ]
:thumb127404330:He will be one of the "Heroes of Spiritual Stone". His element is light.
He is a second cousin of Takeru. (Takeru's father is the "Hero of Fire". An uncle of the "Hero of Fire" is the Chief. The chief's grandson is Inayori.
At first, he is a weak and coward puppy. But he will become a brave and strong male wolf as Takeru. Puppy Inayori didn't have a mane and fis fur's colour is all brown. But it will change gradually. Adult Inayori will have a golden mane and beautiful fur.
Hozumi [ 穂 積 ]
He is Oto's brother. His fur is black like mid-night. Oto can meet him after a lot of trouble. He will be the last one of"Heroes of Spiritual Stone". His element is night.
