BozeThe Visiting Deity of Akusekijima

It is believed that the Boze was once widely worshipped across the various islands of the Tokara archipelago, but today, Akusekijima is the only place where its original form survives. During the Obon period, this deity not only guides the spirits of the dead (ancestors) who have returned to this world back to the other shore, but also infuses the living with vitality. This ritual deeply preserves the extremely primitive form of Japan's ancient *raihoshin* (visiting deity) faith. By visualizing a "visitor from the other world" through masks and costumes, this event functions as a crucial spiritual foundation for living in harmony with the harsh nature of the southern islands and strengthening the solidarity of the community.