「Saion Ufu Shisa」in Saion square is his brother. A huge Tsuboya pottery shisa produced by the Tsuboya pottery method which has a more than 300 year history, originating in the Ryukyu Kingdom. This shisa was made by Tsuboya craftsmen and set up on February 9th, 2013 as a symbol of the town. It is popular among the children because he periodically exhales smoke-like water from his mouth. When you press the guidance button, you will hear the guidance voice in the Okinawan dialect. 「Ufu」 means big in the Okinawan dialect. He is protecting the residents and visitors as the town’s guardian. Shisa is a fictional animal that models a lion and it was introduced to the Ryukyu Kingdom via China from the ancient Orient.

Basic information

Address

902-0065 1-8 Tsuboya Naha Okinawa In front of the Tsuboya Ophthalmological Clinic.

Business hours

Nothing in particular

Close day

Nothing in particular

Charge

Free

Parking

None

Access information

Take the「Yui rail」 and get off at Makishi station. A 12-minute walk. For buses (#17, #55, #112) get off at the Tsuboya bus stop. A 5-minute walk.

Additional Information

Academic information

Shisa are fictional animals that were modeled after the ancient Oriental lion found in rural areas and later transmitted as a Shishi (lion dog), in China; that lion-dog motif was passed on to Ryukyu. Komainu were introduced from the Korean peninsula.

Quote

Naha Machima-i, Local Guidepost