NEWS

In 2017, the Group of Sites Related to Okinoshima in Munakata was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the previous year, he photographed the three shrines of Munakata Taisha and the burial mounds, mainly on Okinoshima, which is off limits except for Shinto priests. Okinoshima, in particular, is protected by ancient taboos, and the ancient form of prayer remains intact. The architectural style of the shrine retains its appearance before the influence of Buddhism. The shrine’s original foundation (iwakura) and the shrine’s main hall (Sai-jo) surrounded by fences (himorogi) still exist today, and this tradition is preserved in the Takamiya Sai-jo of Hetsu-miya. 

Munakata Taisha consists of three shrines: Okitsu-miya on Okinoshima, which is said to be a sacred island, Nakatsu-miya on Oshima, and Hetsu-miya on mainland Munakata. Here lies the origin of prayer, which began with nature worship.

First edition published: September 17, 2016
Publisher: dip&S (Japan/Fukuoka)

hard cover
Size: 280×220×17mm
List price: 2,500 yen (+ tax)