In brief
For centuries, residents of central Japan have celebrated the Miwatari, a sacred ice formation signifying a god’s presence. Its recent absence warns of nature’s imbalance.
In the heart of Japan’s mountainous region, an age-old winter tradition is facing an unsettling change as Lake Suwa, once a canvas for a mysterious ice formation known as Miwatari, has recently seen its iconic presence vanish. This natural phenomenon, long revered as a divine trace from the Shinto gods, has captivated locals for over 600 years. When temperatures plummeted, a spectacular ridge of ice would rise, inspiring awe and reverence.Kiyoshi Miyasaka, a Shinto priest, has dedicated decades to observing this geographic spectacle. Each winter, the formation of Miwatari evokes deep-seated beliefs and emotional connections within the community, with residents venturing onto the ice to conduct sacred ceremonies honoring their mythical visitor. However, in years when the ice fails to appear, it has historically been interpreted as an ominous sign—an indication that the natural world is out of harmony.Since 1443, local residents have meticulously recorded each winter’s occurrences of the Miwatari, documenting ice conditions and historical events. This practice has resulted in an extraordinary historical archive, underscoring the vital link between community, culture, and environmental changes. As the lake’s seasonal transformation faces uncertainty, it serves as a crucial reminder of the delicate balance between nature and ancient beliefs.
