Niiran Kan Toi: The Landing of the Gods
Taketomijima’s vibrant island identity can be seen in its matsuri (festivals), songs, dances and crafts, but the people also recognize a reliance on outside forces, especially the divine. The upright stone here, known as Niiran Kan Toi, marks the legendary landing point of the gods who annually sail to Taketomi from far away Nirai Kanai (the Okinawan analogue of paradise). Bringing grain seeds, and the promise of a bountiful harvest, they moor their vessel to this stone. Their arrival is celebrated in a ritual known as the Yuunkai, which takes place every autumn on the eighth day of the eighth month by the lunar calendar. The ceremony is presided over by kantsukasa (women priests), and involves chanting, singing toncha, and the beating of drums and gongs.