Unjami Festival – Kouri Island, Okinawa

Yesterday, August 25th, was the Unjami Festival on Kouri Island, Okinawa. It is a time to give thanks to the gods. Wearing wreaths of ryukyu botanzuru (Clematis taiwaniana var. ryukiuensis) village elders lead the prayers and offerings.

Unjami Festival – Kouri Island, Okinawa

At 96 years old, Kaneshi Fusae is the most senior of the village elders. Participants and spectators at the festival received some mochi (sticky gelatinous rice cake).

Unjami Festival – Kouri Island, Okinawa

After offerings of paper money and Awamori rice liquor at the shrine, 79 year old Toguchi Ayako lead the way down toward the sea.

Unjami Festival – Kouri Island, Okinawa

More prayers  as we crossed the little road that rings the island.

Unjami Festival – Kouri Island, Okinawa

And then finally, on a bluff over looking the ocean,  Toguchi-san gave the final blessings.

Unjami Festival – Kouri Island, Okinawa

Kaneshi-san was all smiles, another festival completed.

Unjami Festival – Kouri Island, Okinawa