Yokohama Nishi Ward

Description

Strolling through Nishi-ward: Here comes Fortune Mouse, a Divine Messenger of Daikoku-san



Every Shinto and Buddhist deities has its own “divine messenger”. For example, monkey for Hie Shrine and Hieizan, mountain dog (also wolf) for Mitsumine Shrine and Hodosan Shrine, and of course fox for Inari Shrine and bird for Kumano Shrine and cow for Tenjin-sama.



As a part of 1350 years anniversary of its foundation, a set of fortune mouse appeared in front of Kamainu (guardian dog) at Sugiyama Shrine in Nishi-ward. It is said that fortune mouse performed distinguished work when it was served for Ookuninushinomikoto, Izumo-taisha. That’s why mouse became a divine messenger. It is said that as a divine messenger of god of happiness and fortune, it can bring you luck.



As you face the mice, right side is for men and left side if for women. If you have a wish, making your wish while rotating the stone statue of the mouse. Then it is said that your wish will come true. Please give it a try.



Writing and picture by Tai Hasewaga (Nishi ward Cultural Association/Chairman of Kiko Society)



※This is a sketch and writing published in Yokohama Public Relation Nishi ward edition between November 1997 and April 2004. Please be noted that there’s a possibility that information in the article may be changed.



(Published August in 2002)