To pray for the success of the training camp in Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture, starting next Monday the 17th, I visited Namiyoke Shrine on the Tsukiji Market side of Tokyo, which is bustling with tourists during the Obon festival.

Namiyoke Shrine
http://www.namiyoke.or.jp/

The image that the two administrative staff who represented the group had in mind was that of the day before the start of a professional baseball training camp, with the manager in an unfamiliar suit and the players all clapping their hands with solemn expressions on their faces, praying for the success of the training camp.

We chose Namiyoke Shrine, famous for warding off evil spirits, because we felt that safety should be the absolute first priority for this type of event. Secondly, as this is a memorable training camp that marks the kickoff of the new Tohoku Youth Orchestra, we wanted to improve our skills. As soon as we arrived in Miyakojima, we didn't run around the white sandy beaches or jump into the blue ocean. This training camp is all about practicing as an ensemble!

The piece of wood with this wish written on it was dedicated to the Great Lion of Protection from Evil! (I thought they would insert the wish into the lion, but they went around to the back and quietly placed their wish there.)

After the prayer is completed and you receive your talisman at the shrine office, you are told to place it facing south or east in the practice area.

In other words, to everyone in Miyakojima, if you see someone walking around carrying a large banknote next week, please know that it is the Tohoku Youth Orchestra.

We will be updating this site at least daily during the training camp, so please keep checking back.