Inspired by a visit to Kinryuzan Sensoji temple in Tokyo & is dedicated to Kannon the Bodhisattva of Mercy. This temple has a heavy dragon presence, with an annual festival where a gold dragon weaves a dance on the temple grounds. This Kinryu-no-Mai, Golden Dragon Dance was inspired by a story where Kannon descended from a mountain as a golden dragon, creating a grove of a thousand pines overnight, bringing in a bountiful harvest that year.

Alongside eager festival goers, a few yokai have descended from the mountain including a shape-shifting Tanuki, raccoon-dog, Kitsune, fox, Konaki-Jiji, old man cry baby, & diminutive frog-like critter Okka are all enjoying the traditional music as they celebrate another rich harvest.

Illustration by Nanami Takeuchi | @nanasometimesdraws

A4 Print