At Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Iwate Prefecture's handicraft "Nambu Wind Chimes" have been unveiled, sending out cool sounds throughout the temple grounds. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the event, and 515 of them are hung in the corridors near the main hall, with children from Kyoto and Iwate writing their wishes on strips of paper fluttering in the breeze.
The "Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Nanbu Wind Chime Appreciation Society," made up of people from Iwate Prefecture living in Kyoto Prefecture, has been holding the event since 2010 in memory of Aterui of Iwate, who fought against Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, who is associated with the temple, and the friendship they fostered. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, the event has continued every year in memory of the victims and in hopes of recovery.
Nambu wind chimes are characterized by the light sound of the iron. On the strips of paper are written wishes such as "world peace" and "I hope my grandfather's cancer is cured." When the wind blows, they all start ringing at once, bringing smiles to the faces of worshippers.
On the first day, July 31st, a wind chime dedication ceremony was held, with local children hanging the wind chimes for the first time and playing banjos to celebrate the 15-year milestone. The chimes are scheduled to be displayed until the end of August.
