Artist's commentary
New Year’s Shrine Visit IV
In a way, Toyosatomimi no Miko is the very best listener. By listening to someone’s ten desires all at once, she is not only able to perceive their disposition but also see their past and immediate future.
In a way, Satori Komeiji can see better than any other. With the third eye on her chest, she can see not only a person’s surface-level thoughts but also thoughts and impressions that linger in locations and objects.
For all calendars, the first day of a new year is called New Year’s Day or simply New Year’s. Long ago, it was a day for summoning and easing the spirits of one’s ancestors, but in recent years, it’s commonly spent celebrating the year to come and praying for good health.
‘Tis the Season for Adventure The pair stood next to each other and watched on as their close friends and companions prayed together. One muttered under her breath as she made a troublesome wish. Another was filled with embarrassment as she prayed for her secret desire. The pair listened and watched, sighed and giggled, as they always did during their New Year’s Shrine visits.
All was quiet, and the pair learned all their followers’ and pets’ desires. But suddenly, unable to bear one more selfish wish that disregarded their daily teachings, the pair put a stop to the praying. But before long, faint grins began to appear on the faces of those being scolded. Taken by surprise, the pair sighed once more and smiled, just as they always did during their New Year’s Shrine Visits. They prayed for this year to be the same as the last, spent in good health together with everyone.