It’s been a while since I’ve posted any new photos from Yasukuni shrine on National Foundation Day. I still visit almost every year, but for the most part the light hasn’t been helpful at all. The other week, however, was different. Admittedly the rain sadly stopped shortly before things got going, but the overcast conditions did allow me to get the shots I wanted.
It should be said that just like all the other visits, I wasn’t hassled at all for getting fairly close and taking photographs. No words at all were spoken. In fact there was barely even a dirty look. A lack of reaction that I do appreciate, especially as I am very visibly foreign..
All that said, this year felt slightly different. The country now has a new Prime Minister whose large majority signals a significant shift to the right, with constitutional revision among the many touted changes. A trend that arguably began in the previous election with gains for the then relatively unknown ‘Japanese First’ Sanseito party.
The group in the photos, of course, are way beyond anything in mainstream politics, but it did make me think about the potential changes to come, both in regards legislation, and daily life.
YesterdaysHero says
Very striking photographs, Lee. The opening shot in particular is stunning despite the subject matter. Thank you for covering all sides of life in Japan.
Lee says
Thank you very much. I was very pleased with how the first one came out. A really nice frame. And you are very welcome. Glad you appreciate it.
Marco says
Kannte ich nicht. Spannend, was eben nicht überall zu sehen ist. Danke für diese Bilder.
Lee says
You are very welcome. Definitely not a common sight it has to be said, but at the same time not massively uncommon to see such groups.
cdilla says
A solomn collection. The light really makes the greys and green stand out.
I like the way each figure has a dark reflection beneath them.
Lee says
Yeah, the overcast conditions really helped. Been hoping for such flat light for many years now. Glad to have finally got some.
scruffy says
The pendulum swings
Lee says
Yes, it really does…
Once an Expat says
Read once that after Japan’s surrender, the Occupation authorities briefly considered razing Yasukuni and turning it into a dog racing track.
Lee says
Wow, I’d never heard that before. One thing that also surprised me was when I found out that the enshrinement of war criminals there didn’t happen until 1978.
Arno says
What a sorry bunch. What they need is a proper drill-sergeant, not sure if they like the Military-style after that. How empty inside must you be to find solace in organisations like this. It’s not an excusively Japan-thing, we have these people too in The Netherlands, or Europe for that matter. They need something or someone to think for them so they don’t have to …
Lee says
Yes, definitely a very ragtag bunch. The leaders phone actually went off too when the speech was being made and everyone had their head bowed. I do wonder what drove them to join in the first place, and also what they hope to actually achieve.
Damien says
Very interesting set, Lee. These ‘chocolate soldiers’ or little men and women in green don’t look terribly enthused with their task, do they? The dreary weather that day probably doesn’t help their cause either. Some of the blokes look like they enjoy their food a little more than scrambling over obstacle courses, judging by the overhang in their shirts. Mishima in his latter body-building S&M period would have been sheepish about being seen in their company, I suspect.
Perhaps if Edo had a civic-owned-and-administered museum and place of reflection for the 15 years war which took its task as seriously as, say, the museum at Hiroshima, the hapless bunch of out of touch octogenarian men who run the LDP and coalition parties could point to it whenever Beijing raises official protests about pollies visiting Yasukuni in their official capacity, and take some of the heat and justification out of those diplomatic barbs.
Lee says
Thank you very much. Yeah, they are quite the ragtag bunch that’s for sure. And totally agree about Mishima. He would definitely not have been impressed by such sloppiness.
Yeah, Yasukuni is so contentious, and there really should be a place where respect can be shown without causing controversy. Not sure that’s what those old men want though…