A Shisa Specialty Sh

A Shisa Specialty Shop: A Guardian Smile Beneath a Red-Tile Roof At the corner of Tsuboya-dori, I paused, drawn to the small "Shisa Specialty Shop." The red-tiled roof gleamed warmly in the sunlight. Atop the ridge, a small Shisa statue stood proud, its fangs bared, along with the ferocious ceramic lions flanking the entrance, creating a stern yet intimate guardianship. Through the window, one could see a dazzling array of ceramic works: jars, bottles, flower vases, and Shisa statues with varying expressions. Some stared wide-eyed, as if rebuking uninvited guests; others grinned slightly, revealing a simple, innocent smile. These ceramic sculptures are more than mere works of art; they are guardian deities embodying the essence of the land and the craftsman's meticulous care. The flowers and plants in front of the shop intertwined with the ceramic lions, forming a painting. The vibrant red of the flowers echoed the Shisa statue's color, reminding us that protection isn't a cold, isolated existence, but a warm companionship.