“When the Ouchi returned four months later, they once again met an insurmountable bulwark in the form of a teenage girl.”

Client: Setouchi Reflection Trip, the official travel guide to the Setouchi Region of Japan.

Project Description: Write a travel advertorial with photographs.

A Quote

“When the Ouchi returned four months later, they once again met an insurmountable bulwark in the form of a teenage girl.”

The Inside Scoop

Browsing battle-worn swords and armor brings a thrill for any admirer of history, and I’m certainly not immune.

It’s actually kinda crazy how many medieval weapons are just stashed up at this place, especially when you know how they got there — bequeathed by warriors returning from successful battles.

The “Japanese Joan of Arc” connected with the place also got me into some great historical research, as did Emperor Horihito’s museum of maritime oddities.

Of course, shrines in Japan tend to be particular about how you do them up in print, so there’s usually a back and forth to get the details just so. But honestly, I don’t mind. It can be a bit tedious at times, but they have their way, and the reasons behind the requested (and often minute) changes are interesting in their own right. Generally, they stem from concerns over maintaining accuracy with mystical accounts, or what they consider the proper way to render something in English so as to preserve the kotodamashi (“spirit of the word”).

In any case, writing anything that shrines will have an opportunity to review requires patience, understanding, and an early start in the publication timetable. But you’ll also learn some fascinating things in the process.

My Favorite Part

Ancient, battle-battered blades. And a teenage girl who whooped mad ass.

See the results: 
Oyamazumi-jinja Shrine – Japan’s Most Extensive Samurai Treasury