Deep within the forests of Tochigi Prefecture lies a place where myth and mystery echo through sacred halls. At first glance, Nikkō Tōshō-gū looks like any other stunning Shinto-Buddhist shrine—gilded, intricate, layered with centuries of craftsmanship. But step inside the Yakushi-dō Hall, look up, and clap your hands just once. The dragon will respond.

In the dense jungles and river basins of South Kalimantan, a profound tradition takes place—one that invites the realm of the spirits to guide human decisions. The Manajah Antang ritual, practiced by the Dayak people, is a sacred ceremony in which a spiritual bird called the Antang is summoned to offer signs and direction from the unseen world. Whether to declare war, select a leader, or prepare for a journey, the Dayak turn to the Antang for divine confirmation.