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Akama Shrine
Shimonoseki, Honshu Island, Japan 

by Christopher M. Dilport

[This encounter was experienced by a distance learning student in the military, stationed in Japan]

In the Japanese Shinto religion, there are many customs and traditions to encounter. One of the traditions I had the privilege to encounter and witness was the blessing of a newborn baby. The Japanese people usually wait three months after the birth because that is when they believe it is safe to finally bring the baby outside for the first time. It is an event for the whole family. The name of the Shrine that the event would be taken place is called Akama Shrine. It is located in the seaport town of Shimonoseki on the west side of Honshu Island. It is a very old shrine from the 1600's however it has been refurbished throughout the years. This shrine is still frequented and very popular to the surrounding community as well as people from all over Japan. [you can see pictures of the shrine at this site]

When Shoko-San arrived with her new baby she was dressed in traditional Kimono along with her mother and mother in law. The men were dressed in suits! The Shinto priest was dressed in his traditional clothes that looked like they must have been soaked in many bottles of starch for they were so crisp and clean. The new baby Aiana-Chan was wrapped in a silk cloth for the ceremony that was at the top of the shrine. When entering the room everyone had to remove there shoes and sit in rows before the beautiful statues of Buddha and many other gods and animals. The priest was sounding off with his ceremony words and everyone was with there heads bowed while sitting on the floor. I was amazed that everyone could sit in that style for so long but I guess it is something you grow up with. The entire room was magnificent with very old decorations and structures while at the same time it looked very new. The priest was blessing the child in the traditional Shinto fashion to have protection and a very happy and prosperous life. The mother held the baby during the ceremony wrapped in a beautiful silk cloth while the Shinto priest was waving his hand and incense smoke over each of the guest present to include the baby to fend off the evil spirits. 

I would say the entire ceremony lasted about twenty minutes. The most impressing part of the ceremony to me was to see and observe the Shinto priest. His clothes were as traditional as you see in the books from many moons of the past. He conducted himself in the most professional manner. The designs in his clothes were that of many colors. Aiana-Chan slept through most of her ceremony, but I am sure she will appreciate it in the future. 

After the ceremony we all went to a local Tea Shop and finished the day with traditional Japanese green tea and Mochi desert. This Shinto experience was a great joy to see and the feeling was one that I will remember for a long time to come. 

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