Recently, Tsushima in Nagasaki Prefecture has been gaining attention. This is due to the global hit game “Ghost of Tsushima” and the popular manga “Angolmois: Record of the Mongol Invasion,” which was also adapted into an anime. Both works are set during the Mongol invasions and take place on the island of Tsushima.

This time, we would like to introduce Watatsumi Shrine, a historically rich shrine located on the much-discussed island of Tsushima, as well as the goshuin (shrine seal) that we had the honor of creating. We will also touch upon the charm of Tsushima, with its abundant history and natural beauty.

The captivating remote island of Tsushima

Access

Tsushima is a large island located between Kyushu and the Korean Peninsula, stretching approximately 82 kilometers in length, making it the third-largest after Sado and Amami Oshima. It takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours by ferry from Hakata Port in Fukuoka, or around 2 hours and 15 minutes by high-speed boat (jetfoil).

The unique and captivating nature that has been woven together with people over time.

Tsushima was formed as an island approximately 10,000 years ago. During the process of becoming an island, Tsushima, which was once connected to the continent and the Japanese archipelago, retained species from the continent, Japan, and those unique to Tsushima itself.

Tsushima is also famous as a stopover point for migratory birds, with over half of the bird species found in Japan said to pass through the island during their migrations.

Approximately 90% of Tsushima is mountainous and covered by forests. As a result, since ancient times, people have skillfully utilized the forests while practicing slash-and-burn agriculture and other means to sustain their livelihoods.

Even today, Tsushima maintains an ecosystem based on the satoyama (village and mountain) environment that was formed in this way.

One of the most representative creatures is the “Tsushima leopard cat,” which feeds on red-backed voles, frogs, and other small animals that inhabit the woodlands and rice paddies cultivated through agricultural activities. The integration of human life and nature is a defining feature and charm of Tsushima’s natural environment.

Precious primeval forests and a ria coastline

Tsushima also retains precious primeval forests. The three famous locations are “Mount Tatera,” “Mount Shiratake,” and “Mount Ontake,” all of which have been designated as national natural monuments.

Among them, Mount Tatera is a particularly valuable site where rare East Asian laurel forests remain intact over a wide area from the base to the summit. The ability to enjoy the changing seasons is another of its appealing features.

Located in the central part of the island is Asō Bay, a ria coastline. This scenic area has been designated as a Quasi-National Park, and its complex inlets, formed by numerous islands of various sizes, offer breathtaking views that are hard to find elsewhere. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as sightseeing cruises and sea kayaking.

About Watazumi Shrine

Standing gracefully on the shores of Asō Bay is Watatsumi Shrine, the subject of this introduction. Dedicated to the deities Hikohohodemi no Mikoto and Toyotama-hime no Mikoto, Watatsumi Shrine is known for its enchanting appearance during high tide. The bases of the first and second of its five torii gates are submerged in the sea, making the shrine look as if it is floating on the water.

Due to this sight, the shrine, which is linked to the legend of Ryūgū (the Dragon Palace), is said to have once had the sea as its approach, with worshippers arriving by boat.

The shrine is highly historical and prestigious, as its name appears in the “Engishiki Jinmyōchō,” a record compiled during the Heian period. Since the shrine enshrines Toyotama-hime no Mikoto, it is believed to grant blessings for matchmaking and fertility. Additionally, it is known for providing protection for maritime safety.

Torii Gate Collapses Due to Typhoon

In 2020, Typhoon No. 10 caused the collapse of the first torii gate built in the sea, known as the “Heisei Great Torii.” Later that year, a crowdfunding campaign was launched to rebuild it, successfully raising 27.1 million yen, which was 542% of the target amount. Many of the supporters were fans of the game “Ghost of Tsushima,” highlighting the significant impact of the game.

Realistic and Adorable Goshuin (Shrine Seal)

This time, we had the pleasure of assisting in the creation of a goshuin (shrine seal) featuring the “Tsushima Leopard Cat” as the motif. After receiving various reference materials and holding numerous meetings, we successfully completed a goshuin adorned with a very cute illustration of the Tsushima Leopard Cat.

For this goshuin, we used “Arabelle,” a paper with a delicate and soft texture. This paper is FSC® certified, meaning it is produced from responsibly managed forests.

The paper has excellent printability, and for this project, we chose the “Snow White” color to ensure the illustration’s colors appear more vibrant. It also works very well with laser cutting, and the result, including the laser-cut edges, turned out beautifully.

Other Examples of Kirie (Paper Cutting) Goshuin Creations

Goshuin of the Ryūgū (Dragon Palace) Legend

In addition to the “Tsushima Leopard Cat” goshuin, our company has also handled the production of several other goshuin designs. The first goshuin we were commissioned to create was a two-piece set based on the legends of Ryūgū (the Dragon Palace) and Yamahiko-Umi-hiko, featuring the shrine’s deities, Hikohohodemi no Mikoto and Toyotama-hime no Mikoto. When placed side by side, the two goshuin pieces connect to form a single landscape that illustrates the story.

In Conclusion

Tsushima is an incredibly unique island, with a distinctive ecosystem formed through its geological history and a complex past as a border island. Visitors can enjoy its rich nature, delicious seafood, and unique, deep history. When you visit Tsushima for sightseeing, be sure to stop by Watatsumi Shrine as a memento of your trip. The beautiful scenery and serene atmosphere will surely refresh your spirit. For those who find it difficult to visit in person, you can still obtain a goshuin (shrine seal) through the online distribution service, which opened in April of this year.