#Japan #Imabari #Oyamazumi Shrine #Shrine Navita #Hyojito Corporation

Oyamazumi Shrine Receives New Digital Navigation System

In a significant move to enhance the visitor experience at Oyamazumi Shrine, a site revered in Japan since ancient times as the 'Island of the Gods,' Hyojito Corporation has installed an innovative digital information system known as 'Shrine Navita.' Located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Oyamazumi Shrine is famously recognized as the head shrine of the nation's three major islands and is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance.

Background of Oyamazumi Shrine

Believed to have been established in 594 AD during the reign of Emperor Suiko, Oyamazumi Shrine is situated on the beautiful island of Omishima within the Geiyo Islands, known for their scenic beauty in the Seto Inland Sea. The shrine is not only a place of worship for the mountain, sea, and navigation gods, but it also houses an impressive collection of cultural artifacts, including weaponry and armor offerings from samurai seeking victory in battles. Remarkably, approximately 80% of Japan's national treasures and important cultural properties related to weapons are preserved here, making it a unique treasure trove among shrines nationwide.

The shrine's main sacred tree, estimated to be over 2,600 years old and known as 'Ochinomikoto's Kusu,' is said to have been planted by the descendants of the deity Oyamazumi. Visitors often engage in the tradition of walking around the sacred tree three times while holding their breath, with the belief that their wishes will be granted. This has made Oyamazumi Shrine one of the top spiritual destinations in Shikoku, drawing countless pilgrims each year.

Features of Shrine Navita

The newly installed Shrine Navita stands at a height of 2,290mm and spans 2,580mm in width with a depth of 700mm. It features a LED-illuminated, ancient map-style area guide on the right side and a touch-screen digital signage system on the left. The area guide is adorned with ema-style advertisements from sponsoring companies. The digital signage provides crucial shrine information, ritual details, and site navigation in Japanese and English, along with translations in Traditional Chinese and Korean for foreign visitors. Additionally, it includes 15-second video ads from some sponsors that play in rotation.

The Shrine Navita operates from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, although these hours may vary seasonally. This digital signage platform marks a significant advancement in the way shrines can provide information to guests, particularly as international visitors have been on the rise in recent years. Hyojito Corporation is committed to ensuring that all visitors, regardless of language proficiency, can access vital information about Japan's traditional culture through this innovative system.

Comments from Oyamazumi Shrine's Chief Priest

Chief Priest Yasunori Mishima of Oyamazumi Shrine expressed his excitement regarding the new installation, stating, "We hope that the Shrine Navita will not only catch the eyes of visitors but also allow them to easily access necessary information through the map and touch panel. We've made sure that the colors and designs harmonize with the shrine's overall aesthetic, and we look forward to facilitating learning about the shrine's history and worship practices. Many visitors today rely on automatic translation features of their phones; thus, offering multi-language navigation through digital signage holds immense value for conveying accurate information about our cultural heritage. We hope this initiative inspires more people to visit the shrine and engage with the beauty and activities we offer."

About Hyojito Corporation

Hyojito Corporation, founded in February 1967, is dedicated to enhancing public awareness of local history and culture through advertising and communication. Their innovative 'Shrine Navita' reflects their commitment to social contribution and community revitalization both domestically and internationally. With their headquarters located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, they focus on comprehensive advertising services, including traffic advertising, outdoor advertising, and the planning and management of information signs and maps.

For more information, visit their website: Hyojito Corporation.