Monument of shame

Story and photos by Keith T. Graff

Betrayal in love can have consequences that last a lifetime. In at least one case, however, the effects were literally monumental, serving as a timeless reminder to passersby.

On the northern outskirts of Nago City along the East China Sea is the little village of Genka. Turn right onto Highway 14 and cross over the island into Higashi Village and you will see a solitary monument near the crest of the ridge.

This little remembrance is marked by a lone sign. Many people will pass right by without paying it any mind. There isn’t much of a parking area and it doesn’t look well kept. However, there is a legend behind it that is as intriguing as its name - Hajiusui no to, or the monument of shame.

The most popular version of the legend rivals the tale of “Romeo and Juliet.” Like the Shakespeare version, a boy and a girl were in love but their families were dead set against any union. Unable to be apart, each night they sneaked out of their homes and met along the mountain path.

One night, the young woman did not appear. After a long wait, the young man thought she had spurned him and became very angry. He returned to his village where in a fit of jealous rage got drunk and made merry with other young ladies.

Later that same evening, his true love finally broke away from her home and ran to the rendezvous place. When she arrived and didn’t see him, she became concerned for his safety. She hurried down the path in great haste only to see him drunk and frolicking with some strange ladies! Feeling betrayed by the man she loved, she went back to their meeting spot and took her life.

The next morning, he felt bad about making such a rash decision and set out to see her. He found her lifeless body hanging in a tree. Realizing that he had played the fool, that his unfaithfulness was why she committed suicide, and to show his remorse, he built a monument to put his shame on display.