Cats Interfere with Octopus Deity Sculpture Installation at Japanese Shrine

At Hayasuhime Shrine in Oita prefecture, Japan, sculptor Kousei Hashimoto was commissioned to craft a new deity figure for enshrinement, with an initial completion target by year's end. However, the process faced unexpected delays due to local cats. Hashimoto constructed the sculpture from cardboard, which attracted felines that used it as a scratching surface, necessitating frequent repairs. Additionally, during cold winter months, cats would sleep alongside the artwork for warmth, further complicating its preservation. Despite these challenges, the deity has recently been installed, though ongoing maintenance may be required. The shrine is notable for its dedication to an octopus deity, rooted in a legend about a giant octopus protecting a sacred sword in the nearby Hayasui Strait. It serves as a site for prayers seeking maritime safety and good fortune. A customary practice involves devotees submitting octopus drawings as offerings while abstaining from consuming octopus to ensure their prayers are effective. The main hall displays numerous such drawings from past ceremonies, creating a distinctive visual environment.