Okinawa’s symbol Shīsā inspired some artists invited at WRAP UP’ Festival this year. Here is one mural painted by the sisters HAMADARAKA (Emu Arizono /Eru Arizono).

Okinawa Prefecture is the southernmost prefecture of Japan in between Japan’s main islands and Taiwan. The archipelago has a distinct culture from Japan called champuru, a fusion of different Southeast Asian cultures, United-states’ influence, and heritages as former and independant Ryūkyū Kingdom.

Shīsā are Okinawa’s iconic lion-dog guardians, believed to ward off evil, a mythical protectors and powerful symbol of Okinawan identity and spiritual culture.