Shisa Dogs

The picture in the masthead I took when I first visited Okinawa in 2007 and I didn't really know much other than these lion/dogs were a traditional Okinawan decoration/amulet. They are everywhere:

at intersections

at bridges (this is leaving Ikei Island)

Entrances (this is from Ocean Expo Park)

this one is at the entrance to the Peace Park's Peace Museum.

The story of the shisa is a really interesting one and I suggest you read more at this wikipedia entry.