Religion

Feb 22 2012 19 Comments

A truly disturbing Buddhist statue in Tokyo

With their constantly staring eyes, Japanese scarecrows make for an unsettling sight; one that probably has a much bigger impact on people passing by, rather than any pests they are supposed to be protecting the crops from.

The truly unpleasant gaze of a student statue revealing what appears to be a life-like face, however, in many ways makes the likes of those above seem positively pleasant looking.

And yet it’s arguable that neither of them have anything on this: a Buddhist figure that is always watching — no matter which angle you warily try to look at it from.

Feb 13 2012 13 Comments

Japanese veterans at Yasukuni Shrine

Unlike most places where people go to pay their respects to the war dead, Yasukuni Shrine can often be polarising, not to mention controversial; the inclusion of war criminals among the 2,466,000 men and women enshrined there creating friction with Japan’s neighbours, as well as within the country itself. And, as a focal point of sorts for nationalist organisations, the situation is made even more problematic.

This contradiction of respect and rallying point is arguably no more visible than on National Foundation Day, a holiday held every February 11 to celebrate the birth of the nation and its imperial line. An anniversary that draws large numbers of uniform-clad extremists to the shrine — like this substantial gathering photographed last year. More images of which can be seen here.

And yet on the same day, there are also numerous visits from Japanese veterans. Men who are also there to pay their respects, but for far less contentious reasons. Scenes of which in no way absolve the shrine of its past actions, but do highlight its poignancy — and importance.

But, with Yasukuni being Yasukuni, there’s always a sense that things aren’t necessarily what they seem. Regardless of whether that’s true, or not.

Jan 27 2012 17 Comments

Traditional Tokyo in the snow

Like most cities that don’t get a lot of snow, a few centimetres of the white stuff caused all kinds of trouble in Tokyo this week. Trains were delayed. Schools closed. And the TV continually told us how terribly treacherous it was under foot.

But, in older, more traditional Tokyo, rather than chaos it instead created a comforting sense of serenity.

And an absolutely sublime silence.

Jan 04 2012 16 Comments

Japanese spirituality or superstition?

Considering the often wonderfully relaxed approach to religion in Japan, it’s still sometimes surprising to see a relatively steady stream of worshippers at many of Tokyo’s temples and shrines. But whether a lot of these trips are of a spiritual or more superstitious nature, is really hard to say. It could also be down to simple custom too. Yet whatever the actual reason, the seemingly quite ambiguous nature of many visits is really quite fascinating.

And at New Year, when the trickle of visitors very quickly becomes a torrent, such contrasting intentions become clear — yet at the same time, utterly unclear.

There’s reverence, and irreverence.

Plus seriousness, and simply pleasure.

All in the same frame. Often in the same family. Carried out all over the country.

Jan 03 2012 7 Comments

Japanese New Year, new wishes

After a turbulent 12 months for Japan, many traditional, early January trips to a temple or shrine held extra significance this year; the visit inevitably offering a stark reminder of the wishes from last year, and what was to come. Plus, if that wasn’t enough, a strong mid-afternoon quake on the 1st, most certainly was.

All of which meant that the customary burning of last year’s Daruma and the like, along with the purchase of a new one, was distinctly more poignant. As was the hope that somehow, in some way, it might make a difference.

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