Komainu (Guardian Lion-Dogs)

Komainu are the pairs of stone (or sometimes bronze, wood, or ceramic) guardian figures found flanking the approach to most Shinto shrines. Though commonly called 'lion-dogs' in English, their appearance blends features of lions, dogs, and mythical beasts. They serve as spiritual guardians, warding off evil spirits and protecting the sacred space.

Traditionally, the pair is not identical. The figure on the right (as you face the shrine) has its mouth open, representing the sound 'a' — the first sound in the Japanese syllabary. The one on the left has its mouth closed, representing 'un' (or 'n') — the last sound. Together, 'a-un' symbolizes the beginning and end of all things, a concept borrowed from the Sanskrit 'om.' This open-and-closed-mouth motif (a-un no kokyu, meaning 'a-un breathing') is also used metaphorically in Japanese to describe people who work together in perfect unison.

At Inari shrines, the guardian figures are foxes (kitsune) rather than lion-dogs. At Kasuga-related shrines, deer serve this role. At Tenmangū shrines dedicated to the scholar-deity Sugawara no Michizane, reclining oxen (nade-ushi) take the position instead.