One person who came to the “Wind Phone” today left the following message. I felt for the first time that you are always there for me, even though I have nothing to say, and that you are always watching over me.
Most of the people who visit “Wind Phone” wish to say “Thank you” to their deceased ancestors, parents, family, friends, and acquaintances, and to ask them to continue to watch over them.
Originally, Japanese people believed that the gods were found in things and phenomena in nature, helping people in their daily activities or possessing them and causing illness and death. People have felt the presence of the gods, made requests to them, and held festivals to pray for their repose. Gradually, however, these deities were replaced by Shinto deities, along with the spirits of great historical figures. In the modern era, this trend has changed to the relationship with ancestors. One’s parents and ancestors do not die and leave one’s life, but they are there to watch over us even after death. The so-called trend toward the unification of Buddha and God is felt.
This trend is clearly expressed in the words that many people who have lost loved ones leave in their “Wind Telephone” notebooks.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)