About This Video
What always fascinates us with Japan, is its never ending list of folktales and stories about past adventures, gods and other fairy tales that are so unique to this country that are each time, a total delight to listen to. Today’s shrine, Futatsu-Iwa Daimyōjin, despite its rather shabby looks, is not only a surprise example of what an old shrine lost in a forest can look like, but also has one of Sado’s most famous deities: Danzaburou!
Danzaburou is a local legend of Sado island. He also happens to be a rather mischievous Tanuki (large raccoon dog). More precisely a Bake Danuki, a supernatural being also called Yokai in Japan. Not only is Danzaburou was a “king” among his peers, and master of mischief, he also happened to control over hundreds of other Tanuki and ganged up together to toy with humans. However, while being on the naughty side, Danzaburou was also quite generous and happened to lend interest-free money to people in need. So, next time you visit Japan, and stumble upon an old shrine or temple like Futatsu-Iwa Daimyōjin, be curious and ask locals about it, you may be surprised of how interesting, even the smallest and shabbiest temple can be!
