Visit to Mr. Takuji Iwasaki

Special feature by Shinji Jiroku

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In 1910, Ishigaki Island was suffering from a prolonged drought, so the Shinto priest tied Takuji to a tree at the Utaki Shrine in a rain-making ceremony. The people of the island decided that the lack of rain was the fault of the Astronomical Observatory, but Takuji said, "You must not lay hands on us at all," and offered no resistance.

Amazingly, Takuji showed the islanders nonviolent disobedience before Gandhi in 1910. He knew that this action was beneficial. Later, he introduced a rain-making ceremony in his song "One Leaf at the End of the Night" and participated in it himself, singing and dancing.

Takuji continued to speak with love to the people of Yaeyama.

"This island is more noble and hopeful than anywhere else . "

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