The Plum Blossom of Wishes and the Secret of the Stroking Cow: A Small Miracle Encountered at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
The Plum Blossom of Wishes and the Secret of the Stroking Cow | A Small Miracle Encountered at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Spring in Kyoto. On a morning when the chilly wind still brushes against our cheeks, WABISUKE's little traveller, Suke-chan, wrapped in a fluffy plum-coloured scarf, headed to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.
"I hope my wish comes true today..."
In Suke-chan's pocket is a wish wrapped in a small piece of origami paper. It's a slightly embarrassing dream that he can't tell anyone about. But after hearing that Kitano Tenmangu Shrine has a mysterious cow called "Nade-ushi" that will grant wishes, he mustered up the courage to come here.
As you pass through the torii gate, the scent of plum blossoms fills the air. The temple grounds are home to approximately 1,500 plum trees, their red blossoms swaying like the color of wishes.
"I wonder where he is... Pet the Cow."
Suke finally found a stone cow sitting down. He gently stroked it, and the cow, without saying a word, took it in its warm hand.
"thank you…"
At that moment, a wind blew and various origami pieces flew into the sky.
There, the characters for "Tenmangu Shrine" were written in Emperor Gosai's calligraphy, stretching straight up into the sky.
"Wishes fly into the sky."
Suke-chan quietly picked up the origami and placed it under the plum tree, hoping that no one would see his wish, but that it would reach someone.
On the way home, Suke-chan walked with his back a little straighter. His wish had not yet come true, but the warmth that had been lit in his heart was the greatest gift of all.
WABISUKE weaves together the memories of another short journey through words and colors. The scent of plum blossoms at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the quiet power of the stroking cow, and the moment when wishes fly into the sky—all of these are part of a story that continues into the future.
What kind of wish will you encounter next, no matter where you are?