We have received a request for the production of lace paper-cut Goshuin from Toyouke Shrine, located in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture. Toyouke Shrine is said to have been founded in 1157 and is the oldest shrine in Urayasu City. Originally known as “Shinmei-gu Shrine,” it became the present “Toyouke Shrine” during the Meiji era. The Urayasu region where the shrine is located faces a shallow sea and has long suffered from water-related disasters.

The name of the area where the shrine is located, Nekozane (猫実), is said to have been given due to the impact of the tsunami caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1293. According to the Urayasu Town Chronicle, a levee was built near Toyouke Shrine, and on top of it, pine trees were planted to prevent waves from crossing over the roots of the pines. This led to the name “根越えさね” (Negoesane), meaning “overcoming the roots,” which eventually transformed into “猫実” (Nekozane), or “cat’s fruit.”

Toyouke Shrine has likely been cherished by local people for a long time as a deity protecting the region from such water-related disasters. The image below is a ukiyo-e (woodblock print) depicting Nekozane during the late Edo period, with the shrine visible towards the center-right, referred to as “Toyouke Shrine.”

About Toyouke Hime no Okami

The enshrined deity of Toyouke Shrine is Toyouke Hime no Okami (とようけひめのおおかみ), the local guardian deity of this area. Toyouke Hime no Okami is a deity from Japanese mythology and is enshrined in many shrines such as Toyouke Shrine and Inari Shrines.

It is regarded as the guardian deity of the fundamental elements of human life: clothing, food, and shelter. The fulfillment of these basic needs has long been considered a symbol of a stable life.

The origin of Toyokuni Hime no Okami is rooted in ancient agrarian society, and she has been widely revered as a deity overseeing the stability of food through activities such as agriculture. As the abundance of harvests contributes to the overall improvement in quality of life, she has been regarded as a deity protecting all aspects of clothing, food, and shelter.

Lace paper-cut Goshuin of Toyouke Shrine

At Toyouke Shrine, special lace paper-cut Goshuin are distributed seasonally. Starting from January, paper cuts themed around the zodiac sign of the year, the dragon, are distributed.

This design features a scene where a cat atop the torii gate gazes at a dragon in the sky, beautifully reproduced in lace paper-cutting. NT rasha, which is compatible with laser cutting, is used for the paper, and you specified the color of the paper to be pristine.

The size of the Goshuin is A6 (approximately 105 x 148mm), so it fits into a standard Goshuincho (approximately 110 x 160mm).

In the production process, you first provided information on the type of paper, size, quantity, and design motif. Subsequently, we proceeded with the design and creation of the paper-cutting data internally, and upon your confirmation, the production was completed following this process.

Important points

Please note the following regarding the issuance and receipt of lace paper-cut Goshuin at Toyouke Shrine:

• We do not directly inscribe Goshuin in Goshuincho (Goshuin notebook); only pre-inscribed Goshuin slips are provided.
• Those wishing to receive Goshuin must apply at the shrine’s office and will receive them by mail at a later date.
• We do not accept applications by phone.

• Only the name of the visitor is included.
• The “伊” (pronounced “i”) following the name indicates emphasis.