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Kochi Ueshima is the chief priest of the Paper Okamoto and Otaki Shrine.The Ueshima family has served the shrine as priests for generations, and Mr.Ueshima is now the 14th generation.He teaches at educational institutions and also serves as a shrine priest.
"Since I was born, shrines have been my life and my daily routine.When I took over as chief priest from my father, I was anxious, but with the help of the local people and local ties,I have been taught about it, so my anxiety was not that great."
Since childhood, helping out at the shrine has been a matter of course, and holidays are no longer holidays, and even during festivals, which are so exciting for children, this has not changed.However, this does not mean that it is painful, and I am convinced that it is also a part of life and an important job.
For the locals, shrines are as much a part of their lives as for Mr. Ueshima.The fact that they still honor Kawakami-gozen, who is believed to have introduced papermaking, and continue to preserve and pass on the traditions and techniques of papermaking, also shows the importance of their presence.He says he feels the enthusiasm and strong bonds of the local people, especially when it comes to festivals.
"I believe that the local people were and still are the ones who support the festival, and I believe that support = protection.The meaning of holding festivals is two-fold: to thank and express gratitude to God, and to deepen one's friendship with God.In 2020, with the Corona Disaster, we have simplified the program by refraining from deepening friendships, but the content of the program was also decided primarily by the local community.We are grateful that we were able to perform the ritual, albeit in a simplified manner, and everyone is very hopeful that next year's festival will be the same as in previous years."
Paper of the God Okamoto and Otaki Shrine have always been familiar to the locals and have been supported and protected by the ‘local community’ in times of need.In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination and the home of Echizen washi, and even attracts large crowds during events.
"We want people to have a memorable trip, not just a vague stroll through the city.In this respect, the complex roof form of the shrine is a highlight, and the summit of the mountain can also be included in the tour as a historic site.We would be happy if the sightseeing spot becomes a place that remains in the hearts of visitors by showing them things that have been rooted and protected in the community for a long time.By the way, I have in my mind the view of the big cedar tree at the top of the mountain ...... is wonderful."
Scenery and events that remain deep in our hearts make us want to tell and share them with others.Sharing is passed on to future generations and left in the hearts of someone you don't know.The universal appreciation and gratitude for nature's bounty and great wisdom in this repetitive process is nothing less than the root of how this shrine and the art of papermaking have been preserved by the people who live in this land.
Text / Miyuki Sasajima
