Shamoji is a traditional craft & souvenir of Miyajima(a.k.a. Itsukushima) Island[宮島 / 厳島(みやじま / いつくしま)], Hiroshima Prefecture.
One day of the end of 18th century, a Buddhist monk of Miyajima, Seishin[誓真(せいしん)] had a dream of Benzaiten[弁財天(べんざいてん)]. Ichikishimahimenomikoto[市寸島比売命(イチキシマヒメノミコト)] who is a goddess enshrined at Itsukushima Shrine[厳島神社(いつくしまじんじゃ)](Three gods are enshrined here.), that is a famous shrine of Miyajima, was identified with a Buddhist goddess, Benzaiten. Seishin produced Shamoji that resembles Biwa[琵琶(びわ)](a Japanese musical instrument) that Benzaiten has. Seishin taught the islanders how to make a Shamoji and that became a specialty of Miyajima.
On a shopping street leading to Itsukushima Shrine, you can buy Shamoji not only for practical use but as a lucky charm and there is the largest Shamoji in the world.
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