Tradition / Region: Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa, Japan)
Alternate Names: —
Category: Guardian beast / talisman
The Myth
Shisa are guardian figures found throughout the Ryukyu Islands, especially in Okinawa. Their name comes from the local pronunciation of the word “lion,” and they are believed to descend from lion figures that spread from the ancient Orient through China and into Japan. Though commonly seen as statues, Shisa are understood as living protectors in spirit.
Shisa are most often placed on rooftops, gates, and walls of houses. There they stand watch over homes and villages, guarding against fire, misfortune, and evil spirits. They are typically made of stone, ceramic, or plaster. In many cases, Shisa appear as a pair: one with an open mouth and one with a closed mouth. One is said to ward off evil, while the other is said to invite good fortune and prosperity.
According to Ryukyuan tradition recorded in the Kyuyo, the national history of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the origin of the Shisa is linked to a time when fires repeatedly broke out in a village. A feng shui master advised that a lion statue be placed facing a particular direction—toward Yaese Takashi—to suppress the destructive force. After the statue was set in place, the fires ceased. The oldest Shisa connected to this account is said to still exist in Yaese.
Over time, Shisa became widespread across Okinawa. Each household placed them according to local custom, believing that the guardian beasts watched constantly, standing between the human world and unseen dangers. Though unmoving in form, Shisa are remembered as ever-vigilant protectors whose presence alone was enough to keep disaster at bay.