The name of Shiraishi Island means “white stone.” When viewing the island from a distance, the exposed granite found here shines white, as if it has been dusted with snow. This is said to be the origin of the island’s name.
At the center of an island is the landmark rock known as Ōdama Iwa, as well as Yoroi Iwa, named because of its resemblance to a samurai’s suit of armor, which has been recognized as a national natural monument. The people of the past sensed the presence of gods in these mysterious and massive rock formations.
Shiraishi Island is a physical manifestation of the concept of “iwakura,” the belief that gods reside within large rocks.
The Taishidō Hall of Kairyūji Temple was even built to sit below a massive white rock. According to folklore, the priest Kūkai – also known as Kōbō Daishi – stopped at Shiraishi Island on the way back from visiting China. During his time on the island, Kūkai engaged in religious training for 21 days. Before he left, the priest whittled his own staff and carved out the image of the Buddha for the islanders. He’d prayed under a rock, then committed the image of the Buddha to a rock. You can see that on this island, rocks themselves were a vessel for faith.
Rocks weren’t merely objects that people prayed to. Fishermen climbed on top of massive boulders and used them as fish lookouts known as “uomidai,” which allowed them to direct boats toward fish.
The fishermen would stand atop these boulders, bathed in the morning sunlight. They would scan the expansive sea and pinpoint where schools of fish were traveling. The fisherman would then use large paper fans to send signals to the fishing boats. The fans would sway right, left, or out toward the sea. The fisherman surely looked like conductors of an orchestra as they sent these commands from atop the boulders. The fans dictated the rhythm of fishing, sending boats toward swarms with a single sway.
The signals were also used to communicate with the “kamaba,” where the fish were processed on the shore. Picture the fishermen sending a message to tell workers, “We’ve got a big catch today, so keep those fires going!”
The glimmering white boulders found across this island were sparkling under sunlight by day, and illuminated by moonlight during the night, connecting the sea and island like a lighthouse might. Rocks were not only objects of faith – they also supported people’s livelihoods.
