Ise Jingu Town's Rare "Somin Shorai" New Year's Shimenawa with Go-Shuin from Matsushita Shrine, only available at Matsushita Shrine, featuring Abe no Seimei.

New Year's 2026 - Brand New

Futami, Ise Region's [Matsushita Shrine]
Among Ise's shimenawa, only Matsushita Shrine has the Abe no Seimei's Goshuin.

Even when lining up, you can only purchase two per person.
This is a legendary shimenawa.

?Amulet Still in Use Today: Somin Shorai Son Shimekazari?

Among the many preparations for the New Year, one indispensable item is the shimekazari.
When shimenawa are hung at the entrance or gate, and gate decorations are displayed, it signifies that the New Year is just around the corner.

This shimekazari, a quintessential symbol of the New Year that can be seen throughout Japan, deserves a closer look.

Here in Mie Prefecture, particularly in the Nansai and Shima regions, you will often find the characters Somin Shorai Son Kado or Somin Shorai Son Mon written on them.

Regarding Somin Shorai Son, the Ujiyamada City History and other texts, quoting the Bizen Fudoki Ibun, state that Susanoo-no-Mikoto, on a journey to the southern seas, stopped at the land of two brothers named Somin Shorai and Kotan Shorai. There, the Mikoto asked them to let him stay for the night.

The younger brother, Kotan, was very wealthy but refused. The elder brother, Somin, though poor, kindly offered the Mikoto lodging.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto was pleased and said to Somin, In the future, when a terrible plague strikes this land, say that you are a descendant of Somin Shorai, and wear a chinowa (a large ring made of tied reeds or straw) around your waist. Then you will be spared from the illness, and departed.

This legend is recorded, and perhaps because of this, shimenawa with Somin Shorai Son written on them are still displayed today, serving as an amulet to prevent evil spirits from entering the home.

In recent years, shimekazari with Waroudo (笑門) written on them are also commonly seen. This literally evokes the saying Fuku Kitara Warau Kado ni (Good fortune comes to a smiling gate), and these shimekazari are displayed year-round, replaced with new ones every New Year's Eve.

Displaying shimekazari year-round is also a unique custom of the Nansai and Shima regions.

At the foot of Ise Jingu Shrine
New Year's shimenawa made with rice straw and foliage.

- Size: Medium
- Material: Rice straw, foliage
- Design: Shimenawa style
- Use: New Year's decoration
- Characters: Waroudo (笑門) only

*Shipping is cash on delivery only.
*Due to a cancellation this year, this is a special offering, so no box is provided.
It will be shipped in a simple bag.
*For gift orders, please make a reservation for next year.