Negai Village is a place where local legends and beliefs create an intriguing tapestry of folklore. Negai is home to a sacred cave known as “Sai no Kawara,” which is steeped in myth and tradition. According to local belief, Sai no Kawara represents the boundary between the world of the living and the afterlife. In Japanese folklore, it was thought that children who passed away before their parents were forced to toil piling stones as punishment for their lack of filial piety. Demons would also torment them. However, it was believed that Jizo Bodhisattva would come to their aid, offering salvation from their suffering.

This cave also serves as a place of remembrance for children who departed at a young age, with numerous Jizo statues adorning the area. Local legend suggests that parents who have lost a child may encounter a Jizo statue resembling their own child here.

The name “Negai” carries a special significance, as it means “wish” in Japanese, reflecting the desire for a connection between the two realms, embodied by the village and its mystical surroundings.