'Cat temple' in Japan creates dog-themed talisman to ward off harassment
HAGI, Yamaguchi -- A "cat temple" in this western Japan city has created a talisman aimed at discouraging harassment.Unrinji Temple in Hagi, Yamaguchi
Hagi, a city in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is home to the Unrinji Temple, a temple renowned for its over 1,000 cat statues and real pet cats. The temple's chief priest, Jisei Sumida, has created a new talisman named Harasumento chogofu (Anti-harassment talisman) to combat harassment. This talisman depicts a dog, intriguing given the temple's strong association with cats.
Sumida explained that the dog motif was inspired by the origin of the English word "harass," which is linked to a French term used to urge hunting dogs after they find prey. The new charm, costing 1,000 yen, is meant to provide peace and calm to those troubled by harassment, serving as a reminder to stop harsh words and promote understanding. The talisman was designed over three years and is now available for purchase by the public.
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