What is a Japanese shishi?

Shishi (志士), sometimes known as Ishin Shishi (維新志士), were a group of Japanese political activists of the late Edo period. The term shishi translates as “men of high purpose”. Several assaults on westerners in Japan have been attributed to the shishi and associated rōnin warriors.

Did Japan ever have lions?

You may be wondering if anyone in pre-modern Japan had ever seen a real lion. It’s a long way from the savannah, but there are Asiatic lions as well. Although their range is quite small today, prior to the nineteenth century they could be found throughout Persia, Palestine, Mesopotamia, and much of India.

What does a lion mean in Japanese?

Komainu
Lions – ‘Komainu’ The Japanese animal symbol of a lion is often associated with places of worship, where you often find a pair of lion statues guarding the entrances to shrines or temples. These are often referred to as ‘lion dogs’, and are believed to ward off evil spirits.

What does Shishi stand for in Japanese mythology?

Shishi (or Jishi) is translated as “lion” but it can also refer to a deer or dog with magical properties and the power to repel evil spirits. A pair of shishi traditionally stand guard outside the gates of Japanese Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, although temples are more often guarded by two Nio Protectors.

What kind of creatures are there in Japan?

From mythical foxes and shape-shifting raccoon dogs to vengeful spirits and human-eating spiders, Japanese folklore is full of fascinating creatures born from people’s observations of the inexplicable.

What kind of mythology do they have in Japan?

Japanese mythology, a mixture of animistic beliefs and sacred religion that mixes divinities with spirits and animals, has a macabre side that is reflected in a pantheon of demons, dragons, and monsters. Find out the most fascinating Japanese mythical creatures and their magical powers.

Where do you find Shishi statues in Japan?

Also known as Koma-inu 狛犬 (lion dog) in Japan Origin = China & Korea Wooden shishi carvings are commonly used as architectural elements, placed under the eaves of both Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to ward off evil spirits. Also, a pair of stone shishi statues (one with mouth open, the other closed)