A leisurely 1200-kilometer path of reflection
Walking with mom again

A mother and son who walked the 800-kilometer Camino de Santiago in Spain together.
The two people, who were suffering from 'Santiago fever' because they could not forget that lingering feeling, headed to Shikoku, Japan, which is called 'Santiago of the East'.

"Mom is Shikoku" is a travel essay written by a son while walking the Shikoku pilgrimage route in Japan with his mother.
The Shikoku Henro, a pilgrimage to 88 temples following in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism 1,200 years ago, is not simply a journey, but a path to reflect on life and walk the heart.
We recorded the scenery, people, and thoughts we encountered while walking through the four prefectures of Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, Kagawa, and Shikoku over four seasons, from winter to fall.
The text, photos, and illustrations that combine the scenery and colorful moments encountered at each of the numerous paths connecting the 88 temples leave a warm aftertaste on each page.

If there is someone you want to walk with right now, now is a great season to walk in step with them.

The idea that I can make a pilgrimage not only on foot but also using any assistive device, such as a bicycle, bus, wheelchair, or bed, has changed me a lot.
You learn that it's not a given that you can walk well, and that it's okay if you can't walk well.
--- p.71 From "Tokushima in Winter_Everyone's Festival"

Reading the notes written by those who sat here, where I sat for a while, in this little shelter, at different times and in different seasons, I imagined the moments of various pilgrims, like a scene from a movie reminiscing about the past.
I'm happy to see people whose faces I don't even know.
It feels like we're on a pilgrimage together.
On this quiet road where it's not easy to even meet people, yesterday's you is today's me, and today's me is tomorrow's you, cheering me on and being together.
--- p.140 From “Kochi on a Spring Day_Today’s Little Things”

We will never forget this little monk.
Many names I had forgotten come to mind and linger in my mind.
Call out the names of precious things.
Something that was nothing became the most special thing in the world the moment I called its name.
Like this black-haired monk Ankun.
--- p.199 From "Ehime on a Summer Day - Your Name"

We started our pilgrimage in the snowy winter, and the seasons changed four times, completing one circuit, and we passed through four prefectures.
Today we return to verse number 1 to complete our circle.
When I reach the first section, my footsteps will draw a circle the size of Shikoku Island.

--- p.294 From "Kagawa on an Autumn Day_Round and Round"