Tomori Stone Lion, Stone guardian statue in Yaese, Japan
The Tomori Stone Lion is a stone sculpture in Yaese positioned on a hilltop overlooking the mountain landscape of the region. The work displays the traditional form of a shīsā with characteristic features typical of Okinawa's guardian statues.
The statue was commissioned in 1689 by local residents following a series of fires that threatened the village. It still bears bullet marks from World War II battles that occurred in the area.
The statue represents an early form of shīsā, the traditional Okinawan stone guardians found throughout the islands. Over time, these figures became central to how local communities express protection and spiritual beliefs in their daily lives.
The site is easily accessible with a parking area and an elevated viewing platform near the village. The location offers good viewing conditions with wide vistas of the surrounding landscape.
The statue was deliberately positioned toward the nearby mountain using feng shui principles to strengthen protection against disasters. This intentional placement shows how ancient practices influenced the design of this early guardian figure.
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