Shinkai Maru and Shimanekko
Shinkai Maru approaching Pier 9, Honolulu Harbor. Kagawa Maru crew members observe and stand by to assist. 24 February 2018.
Shinkai Maru is one of a number of Japanese training vessels that visit Hawai‘i every year.
As Japan is known for kawaii (cute) characters, it is no great surprise to see one on Shinkai Maru’s hull.
Shimanekko on Shinkai Maru’s hull. 25 February 2018.
The name of this yellow cat character is Shimanekko. Shimanekko is the official mascot of Shimane Prefecture, which is located on the west coast of Honshu. Shinkai Maru’s home port of Matsue is the capital of the prefecture.
Shimanekko’s “roof headdress” and ”rope collar” represent two features* of one of the prefecture’s famous sites, Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine (or formally, Izumo Oyashiro). Izumo Taisha is also one of Japan’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines.
Shimanekko flag hoisted on board Shinkai Maru. 25 February 2018.
Mascots like Shimanekko are known as yuru kyara, which is short for yurui masukotto kyarakuta (yurui mascot character). See the video below for yuru kyara cuteness overload:
*The rope is called shimenawa. It is used to ward off bad spirits.
Note: There is a Hawai‘i connection. The Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii on North Kukui Street in Honolulu is a branch of Izumo Taisha.
