What is Ishigantou?

Ishigantou (石敢當)

Walk through any town in Okinawa and you will often see stones carved with the characters 石敢當 set into walls and street corners. These are talisman stones that keep evil from entering the home.

The custom is said to have come from China and has been cherished in Ryukyuan (Okinawan) life for centuries. Some stones bear the name of a sacred mountain as well: 泰山石敢當 (Taizan Ishigantou). Even today, many people install a new ishigantou when they build a house or open a business.

Where do they go?

They are traditionally placed at the end of T-junctions, on walls facing the street, or near the entrance of a house. Inside the home, placing one at the front door — the entrance to the house — keeps bad things from coming in.

Okinawan folklore tells of evil spirits called majimun. Majimun can only travel in straight lines and are bad at turning corners. That is why a house at the end of a T-junction was thought to be at risk: a majimun travelling straight down the road would run right into it. An ishigantou placed there catches the spirit's momentum and bounces it back.

Today, more and more families place an ishigantou at their front door so that it protects them from majimun coming from any direction.

Why Okinawan stone?

Ryukyu limestone, the stone we use, is a natural Okinawan stone that began forming some 1.3 million years ago from ancient coral reefs. It carries the energy that only natural stone holds.

When Okinawan stonemasons carefully shape this ancient stone by hand, one piece at a time, its spiritual power is brought to life.

Perfect for

• Wishing for your family's safety and well-being
• A new home or a move
• Homes at the end of a T-junction
• Shops and offices wishing for safety and prosperity
• Bringing traditional Okinawan culture into daily life
• A meaningful Okinawan gift or souvenir