“A lion’s roar echoes through Namba,” a passerby might have exclaimed in post-war Osaka. This wasn’t a real lion, of course, but the striking Lion Stage of Namba Yasaka Shrine. Namba Yasaka Shrine stands as a testament to Osaka’s resilience. Devastated by wartime air raids, the shrine, once part of a larger Buddhist temple complex, was painstakingly rebuilt. Today, its most prominent feature is this very stage, shaped like a giant lion’s head. This dramatic structure, 12 meters high, 11 meters wide, and 10 meters deep, isn’t just for show. The lion’s gaping maw is believed to devour evil spirits, offering good luck to those praying for academic or business success. Namba Yasaka Shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the deity credited with slaying the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi. This feat, symbolizing the conquering of misfortune, resonates deeply with the shrine’s purpose. It’s said to offer blessings for warding off evil, dispelling disease, and ensuring prosperous business and agriculture. Every year on the third Sunday of January, the shrine hosts a vibrant tug-of-war festival. This tradition reenacts Susanoo-no-Mikoto’s legendary battle, with participants pulling a rope designed to resemble the eight-headed serpent. The direction the rope is pulled signifies the year’s blessings. Even amidst the neon lights and bustling streets of Namba, Namba Yasaka Shrine offers a tranquil escape and a powerful connection to ancient myths and the spirit of Osaka.
旧守口市立下島小学校
Shimojima Elementary School’s bell echoed one last time in March 2024. This marked the end of its 49-year history. It