Kochi’s Romeo & Juliet

A tragic love story surrounds a bright red bridge in Kochi, Japan. As the legend goes, a monk named Junshin fell in love with a beautiful girl named Ouma.

This was in the 1800s, however, and at that time monks were not allowed to marry.

When Junshin was caught buying a pretty hairpin for his beloved, the star crossed lovers were punished. Junshin was sent into exile, and Ouma was also sent far away.

These days, the Harimayabashi Bridge is a popular tourist stop. The star crossed lovers never saw each other again, however their story captured local imagination. Images of Junshin and Ouma can be seen all over town, in statuettes, murals, and t shirts. There’s even a Hello Kitty rendition.Læs mere