ツカサに聞く島の心と祈りの大切さとは？

Listening and Discovering! Miyakojima ~ Three Miss Miyakojima Recipients Share the Island's Traditions and Culture! ~ 47th Miss Miyakojima Sango: Marina Kugai Tida: Minori Igawa Bougainvillea: Airisa Sunagawa The three Miss Miyakojima Recipients each interview key figures in their respective areas, learning from them as they deliver information. Enjoy the unique personalities of these three individuals as you watch. [Listening and Discovering! Miyakojima VOL.1: Asking Tsukasa About the Island's Spirit and the Importance of Prayer] Miyakojima is home to numerous utaki (sacred shrines). Utaki are Ryukyu Shinto religious facilities, and there are said to be approximately 900 of them. The women who oversee the rituals at local utaki are called tsukasa. Their selection and term of office vary by region, as well as restrictions (such as not attending funerals or leaving the island). This time, the 47th Miss Miyakojima Bougainvillea, Airisa Sunagawa, spoke directly with Tsukasa about Harimizu Utaki, one of Miyakojima's most prestigious utaki. [With Special Thanks to Tsukasa] Nobu Aguni (Tsukasa from Nishizato) Emiko Taira (Usas from Shimosato *Tsukasa's assistant) The footage of Tsukasa speaking is invaluable. What are the three important days a year at Harimizu Utaki? When can the public visit? You'll probably learn a lot of new information, such as the orientation of the torii gate. We hope that the island's important culture of prayer will be cherished not only by the islanders but also by tourists. [Behind the Scenes] Until recently, rituals at Harimizu Utaki were held at both Tsukasa from Nishizato and Tsukasa from Shimosato. Since the passing of Shimosato's Tsukasa, Taira Emiko, who is now the Usus, has been performing the role. It seems that a Usus will not take over as Tsukasa. At Makimizu-utaki, the door behind the offering box is opened three times a year. This time, thanks to the arrangement of Nishizato's Tsukasa, Aguni, he specially opened the door and offered a nigai (prayer), saying, "I wanted to convey my gratitude to the gods for broadcasting Miyakojima culture." Before filming, fruit, sake, and incense were laid out, and the number of people involved and their zodiac signs were reported to the gods. The nigai lasted about an hour, and we naturally began filming immediately afterwards as we chatted. After the song "Togani Ayagu" at the end of the video, they actually performed "Makimizu no Kuicha," and the filming staff also danced the kuicha along with Aguni and Taira. When all the processes were completed and I thanked the two for the photoshoot, Taira-san said with tears in his eyes, "Thank you so much for today." I felt that this was a promise that we must continue the island's culture of prayer forever. I will never forget the feelings and expression that were woven into Taira-san's words.