You're walking in a rural area of Japan... How would you feel if a complete stranger suddenly walks up to you and gives you money?

Would you feel awkward or even scared? Would you feel grateful and excited?

Whatever emotions you may have, the first thought that comes to mind is something like… why is this person giving this to me?

That’s because we are not used to this kind of situation in our daily life or wherever we travel to.

Actually there is one region within Japan where such a custom is practiced, as part of the local traditions.

That is Shikoku, which is in Southwestern Japan.

In this region, the local people show gratitude and kindness to people travelling on a pilgrimage route. These pilgrims are called Ohenro-san.

Why do they welcome Ohenro-san with warm hospitality?

To address this question, we need to first look at the Shikoku Pilgrimage and a faith in Kobo Daishi who is widely respected in Japan.

To do that, I would like to welcome Associate Professor of Tokushima University David Moreton. For the past twenty years, he has been living and working on the island of Shikoku and has been researching the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Here is a documentary that you may want to check out for more information about David and the Shikoku Pilgrimage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Mxa_B8oXE&t=346s

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