One thing you will see everywhere you go in Okinawa are Shi-sa. The shi-sa is a lion-like figure that is usually found at the entrances of Okinawan homes. The shi-sa comes in pairs. The shi-sa on the right will usually have its mouth open. This symbolizes the male who is protecting the home. The shisa on the left will usually have its mouth closed. This symbolizes the female who "grabs" onto happiness and doesn't let it go.
(the shi-sa in front of Starbucks in Chatan)I enjoyed looking at all the different kinds of shi-sa. Comical, scary, traditional--they reminded me that we are all different in our own ways.
