Yoshida Shrine

Yoshida Shrine is a shrine located on the outskirts of Okukami, a small village in western Washu Province. The kannushi, or head priest, is Yoshida Okikage, a man more interested in vices such as alcohol and women than the upkeep of the shrine. Indebted to Tomoe of the Nakatomi Clan, he welcomed Hana to the shrine as a miko.

Purpose / Function

Yoshida Shrine is a Suitengū shrine (a shrine dedicated to kami related to water) where Mizu no Kamisama is worshipped. The local population mostly come to pray for the protection of fishermen who make their living on Lake Kasumi. As Mizu no Kamisama is also associated with fertility and childbirth, the shrine was a popular destination for the women of Washu. It's state of disrepair, however, has made people hesitant to visit, with many locals fearing the kami has abandoned her shrine and foresaken them. Hana spends much of her time trying to restore the shrine in both appearance and reputation.

History

A shrine has existed on the site for centuries under the care of the Yoshida clan. Kasumi and Shōji are believed to be the first kami enshrined there. As the fishing industry developed, and Okukami and the surrounding villages flourished, Mizu no Kamisama became the main kami worshipped by the population. Each year hundreds of visitors qould come to the shrine for festivals and ceremonies.

In the past century, however, depleting fish stocks and the loss of pearl hunters have left both the village and shrine desolate. Furthermore, many fishermen left for the larger port city, Sakuchi, where the cities size provided a safer home during the collapse of the Jū-kinai

In the year 573, Hana is sent to the shrine to live as miko until it is safe for her to return to court. Two years later in 575, following the battle near the Great Bamboo Garden, her husband, Ryujiro is granted sanctuary at the shrine along with Totaro until the latter recovers from injuries sustained during the fighting.

Type

Shrine

Owner

Yoshida Okikage