Okinoshima - a sacred Japanese island for men only

Few people are familiar with the Japanese island of Okinoshima, and the Japanese themselves visit it only on special occasions. Only one person constantly lives on the island, and he receives a salary for this, since he is the caretaker of the Shinto temple standing on the island.

In accordance with the Shinto beliefs, all natural phenomena and even inanimate objects have kami - a spiritual essence. Each of them has a destiny, character and aspirations.

The kami stones on which the island is covered are very severe. They allow only men cleansed by a special rite into the temple, and women are not allowed at all. According to legend, the disobeyed immediately turns into stone.

But soon, the island of Okinoshima can be included in the list of cultural heritage, which means that then the Japanese will have to open access to the shrines to everyone.

Watch the video: Japan's men-only island, Okinoshima gets UNESCO heritage tag (April 2024).