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Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) man the rails as they arrive at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.1126 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 25, 2008) Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) man the rails as they arrive at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. George Washington and Carrier Air Wing 5 will be operating from Fleet Activities Yokosuka as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo Kuji Kawabe (Released)
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Hachiman Commercial High School designed by William Merrell Vories in 1935. 八幡商業高等学校 MAP1120 views
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Inside 1972 Buick Riviera1119 views
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Nebuta are giant, wire-frame, paper lanterns shaped in various legendary and macho characters.1115 viewsThe Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is held in Aomori City in Aomori Prefecture during Aug. 2-7. Nebuta are giant, wire-frame, paper lanterns shaped in various legendary and macho characters such as samurai warriors, demons, and gods. They are fantastic works of art dramatically illuminated from the inside. The floats are paraded along the main streets of the city near Aomori Station every night of the festival.
From August 2 to 6, the Nebuta parade is held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. On the 2nd and 3rd, the parade is geared for the many children who participate by pulling the floats. About 15 large Nebuta floats and some small Nebuta floats for the children are paraded.
The festival's peak period is from the 4th to the 6th when over 20 large Nebuta floats make their rounds. Be sure to see the festival on one of these three nights.
On the 7th, the last day, the parade is in the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Later in the evening, the Nebuta floats are put on boats to be highlighted by a fireworks display.
The festival is designated by the government as an Important Intangible Folk Culture Asset and not to be missed if you have the chance. It's well worth the trip up north.
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1110 viewsUnlike geisha dances in Kyoto which have elaborate backgrounds, the background here is quite plain, making us focus on the geisha which were enough eye candy. The background really didn't matter. The dances were very aesthetic and pleasing to the eyes and ears.
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The main Kanamara mikoshi かなまら神輿1108 viewsThere are three portable shrines (called mikoshi). The Kanamara mikoshi (the original portable shrine), Kanamara-bune mikoshi (shaped like a boat), and Elizabeth mikoshi (pink giant). All three are carried during a procession around town. The Elizabeth mikoshi is carried by she-males. ("New half" in Japanese. Go ahead and laugh if you want.)
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This is a staircase concealed as a shelf.1105 views
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Metal finger claws worn on the fingertips.1095 views
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Elizabeth mikoshi carried by she-males1091 views
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2. Hitozato ひと里1090 views
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Another view from the top of the bridge in the good old days. They don't bloom like this anymore...1084 views
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Koenji Awa Odori Dance 高円寺阿波おどり1079 viewsMore pictures here.
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Asashoryu and Tochiazuma1077 viewsAfter offering water, Tochiazuma shares a laugh with the yokozuna.
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Sekigahara saw one of Japan's most pivotal battles on Oct. 21, 1600 (Sept. 15 of Keicho 5) between Tokugawa Ieyasu's Eastern Forces and Toyotomi Hideyoshi loyalist Ishida Mitsunari's Western Forces. 1073 viewsIeyasu's victory in the Battle of Sekigahara sealed Japan's historical fate for the next 250 years. The former battlefield is dotted with monuments indicating the positions of various warlords during the battle.
This photo shows Mt. Momokubari where Tokugawa Ieyasu first set up his base camp for the Battle of Sekigahara. It is next to busy Route 21. A short distance east of Sekigahara Station. The former Sekigahara battlefield has numerous monuments.
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Weapons used in battle1072 views
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Geiko and maiko in front of Pontocho Kaburenjo theater1069 views
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Chestnut Rice Cakes （栗餅）1066 viewsThe third number was called "Chestnut Mochi." Mochi is rice cake. They pound sticky rice to make it. Performed by two geisha. The one in blue is a male role.
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Yokosuka, Japan (Sept. 15, 2006) - Sailors man the rails of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the ship enters Truman Bay. Kitty Hawk completed a 99-day summer underway period, which including participating in Valiant Shield 2006.1066 viewsYokosuka, Japan (Sept. 15, 2006) - Sailors man the rails of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the ship enters Truman Bay. Kitty Hawk completed a 99-day summer underway period, which including participating in Valiant Shield 2006, the largest joint Navy and Air Force exercise conducted since Operation Desert Storm. The Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group is the Navy's only overseas-based aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jarod Hodge (RELEASED)
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4. Sakura Kazashite 桜かざして1062 viewsDancer 舞子 (Maiko)
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3. Edo no Nigiwai (Liveliness of Edo)1060 viewsAfter this dance was a 20-min. intermission.
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1. Kagurazakari 神楽ざかり1058 views
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Shibuya Station, Hachiko Square1056 views
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Baton-twirling club, Tsukiji Hongwanji, Tokyo 千代田女学院 バトン部1055 views千代田女学院
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Video of our group photo exhibition at Kyoto International Community House during Nov. 16-20, 2011. Seven artists exhibited: Micah Gampel, Peter Macintosh, Motoyasu "Musashi" Matsutani. We talk about our work in this 25-min. vid.1055 views
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Former Olympic champion Yasuhiro Yamashita1049 viewsKata performance before the final match.
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Kanayama Shrine (right next to Wakamiya Hachimangu)1047 viewsKanayama Shrine is dedicated to a pair of gods named Kanayama Hikonokami and Kanayama Himenokami 金山比古神（かなやまひこのかみ） 金山比売神（かなやまひめのかみ. According to legend, when the main Shinto god named Izanami gave birth to the God of Fire, her lower abdomen got burned. These two Kanayama gods helped to heal her birth wound. Thus, these two gods came to be known as the gods of childbirth and healing of the lower abdomen. They later came to be worshipped as fertility gods, protector of sexually-transmitted diseases (AIDS, etc.), and successful marriage. They are also the gods of the bellows, so blacksmiths (who use bellows to fan the fire) also worship this shrine.
Kanayama Shrine is a small shrine within the grounds of the larger Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine. The Kanayama Shrine was completely rebuilt and reborn in 1999 into a completely unorthodox building which you see here. Modeled after a blacksmith's workshop, it is now a black, eight-sided building with steel paneling. Notice the penis monument on the lower right.
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Meoto-Iwa Wedded Rocks off the coast of Futami-cho, Ise city, Mie Prefecture. 夫婦岩1047 views
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Hand clapping1045 viewsThis is called sanbon-jime, a series of hand clapping to mark the end of a successful meeting.
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Oiran Dochu Procession1044 views花の吉原おいらん道中
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Ninja swords are short and straight with no curvature.1043 views
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The usual penis souvenirs on sale.1042 views
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Many foreigners also join in the fun. The giant phallus was originally about 1 meter long and paraded by itself by 4-5 people with no portable shrine shelter.1038 views
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Ariwara no Narihira (825-880) comes to east Japan1035 views在原業平 東下り
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1967 Buick Riviera looking like a manta ray.1031 views
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Hinokawa Dam Park 日野川ダム公園1030 views
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Inside Kanayama Shrine1028 viewsKanayama Shrine is dedicated to a pair of gods named Kanayama Hikonokami and Kanayama Himenokami 金山比古神（かなやまひこのかみ） 金山比売神（かなやまひめのかみ. According to legend, when the main Shinto god named Izanami gave birth to the God of Fire, her lower abdomen got burned. These two Kanayama gods helped to heal her birth wound. Thus, these two gods came to be known as the gods of childbirth and healing of the lower abdomen. They later came to be worshipped as fertility gods, protector of sexually-transmitted diseases (AIDS, etc.), and successful marriage. They are also the gods of bellows, so blacksmiths (who use bellows to fan the fire) also worship this shrine.
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Tokyo Apache Dance Team do their stuff during time outs. They are the cheerleaders who appear on Saturday games.1025 views
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Various entertainment is staged within Tagata Shrine up until the procession starts at 2 pm.1022 views
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The old Kanayama Shrine1018 viewsPicture was taken in the 1980s.
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Court ladies called uneme. Their kimono have a blue wave design. 釆女1018 views釆女
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Blacksmith's tool1017 views
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Musashimaru right after I shook his hand.1015 views
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Breaking the sake barrel1013 views
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Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine1012 views
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Elizabeth mikoshi carried by she-males1012 views
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Train line map and fares in English at Tokyo Station as of 2007.1012 views
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Kanayama Shrine altar1008 viewsFlanked by penis statues on the left and right.
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Inside Kanayama Shrine1007 views
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Another mikoshi with a wooden penis. For a good harvest.1006 views
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The metallic flake paint job on this car was great.1005 views
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Taiko drummers in front of Wakamiya Hachimangu1002 views
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Honda Civic1001 views
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Kanamara mikoshi かなまら神輿995 viewsThere are three portable shrines (called mikoshi). The Kanamara mikoshi (the original portable shrine), Kanamara-bune mikoshi (shaped like a boat), and Elizabeth mikoshi (pink giant). All three are carried during a procession around town. The Elizabeth mikoshi is carried by she-males. ("New half" in Japanese. Go ahead and laugh if you want.)
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Some female haneto taking a break after the festival.994 views
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Tekomai geisha993 views
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Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography. Beautiful museum in the middle of nowhere, dedicated to the late Ueda Shoji, one of Japan's most famous fine-art photographers.991 views
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Shin-Yoshiwara prostitutes. They are sitting behind the "cage" which fronted the street for all to see (and choose) within the licensed quarters. Shin-Yoshiwara was a famous red-light district of Tokyo. Note that they are not geisha.991 viewsGeisha were not prostitutes. This photo was taken during 1907-1911. The woman in the far back was the brothel's matron who supervised this live display and everything else. In 1912 when Emperor Meiji died, this live display of women was later replaced by framed photographs of each woman hung near the brothel's entrance. In 1958, prostitution was outlawed in Japan, and Yoshiwara was history.
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Statue of an ama woman diver sitting on a rock on the Onjuku Station train platform. These women dived deep in the ocean (without scuba gear) from small boats to harvest shellfish and other seafood.989 views
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Costume Player988 viewsA vampiress.
See more photos of cosplayers here.
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Cutie/Sexy. GRES Uniao amadores987 views
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Six times a year in Japan, a lowrider car show is held in major cities. The Japan Tour starts and ends in Makuhari Messe in Makuhari, Chiba where these photos were taken on Nov. 23, 2008.987 views
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The giant phallus is called "O-owasegata." It is an offering, and not a deity nor object of worship. Tagata Shrine Honen Festival. A total of 60 men take turns carrying the giant phallus portable shrine. 大男茎形986 views
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The short prayer ceremony ends.981 views
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Front view. A new giant, wooden phallus is carved every year since newly-made objects are considered to have more purity and vitality.980 views
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Lots of people pose with the giant penis. Amid hordes of amateur photographers980 views
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Sadly, the Tokyo Jidai Matsuri no longer held. It used to be held annually on Nov. 3 (Culture Day) in Asakusa, Tokyo.978 viewsthe Tokyo Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Historical Periods) is a parade tracing the history of Tokyo with over 1,600 people dressed in the respective period's costume. This is the lead float playing music. It took about an hour for the parade to reach Kaminarimon Gate.
Lead Float: Edo festival music played by children. Kodomo Edo-bayashi yatai
先導 子供江戸囃子屋台
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Oiran Dochu procession, Ichiyo Sakura Festuval, Tokyo974 views
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The daimyo lord is carried in a palanquin for the Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu Procession. 大名駕籠971 views
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3. 梅にも春 Ume nimo Haru968 views
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Not exactly a work of art, but...962 views
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Okazaki Castle tower959 viewsThe castle was dismantled during the Meiji Period and the area was made into a castle park. The castle tower was later rebuilt in 1959.
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Women spectators touch the penis for good fortune and to become fertile perhaps?959 views
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The final cut by stablemaster Musashigawa Oyakata.956 views
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There he goes, not exactly walking on water. Just dragging himself across with the rope. This is only for anime-like amusement. This is not how the ninja did it.953 views
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Giving offerings inside Kanayama Shrine952 views
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Kumu hula Sonny Ching beats the ipu gourd drum, a traditional Hawaiian instrument. This must be a first, a kumu hula performing on the sumo ring in Japan.952 views
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She walks in a very slow and stylized way, her feet taking figure-8 steps. She needs the man's shoulder to steady herself.950 views
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Also see the video at YouTube. Honen-sai Festival, Tagata Shrine Honen Festival.950 views
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Fushimi Turret. This view of the turret can only be had when you cross the bridge. I never knew what it really looked like until this day. 伏見櫓946 views
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Oiran Dochu Procession in front of Kaminarimon Gate, Asakusa.941 views花の吉原おいらん道中
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Gun turrets941 views
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On Nijubashi Bridge heading for the Seimon Gate. 正門940 views
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Mud Brings Happiness, at Warabi Hadaka Matsuri in Yotsukaido, Chiba.939 views
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Final match of the day with Yokozuna Asashoryu939 views
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Another phallus near Kanayama Shrine933 viewsIt was pretty lonely, with no one paying attention to it.
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Elaborate oiran wig weighing about 7 kg or 15 pounds.933 views
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Kanayama Shrine altar931 views
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Sword hidden in the floor.927 views
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Costume gals. Even these girls walked on the fire.925 views
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Back of a Maiko, Kyoto924 viewsThe maiko is an apprentice geisha (or geiko). She can be easily identified by the long length of her kimono sleeves and the long length of her obi sash on her back.
See more photos of Kyoto geisha here.
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Show car with floor mirror. Note that this show does not feature female attendants, models, or "companions."923 views
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Musashimaru and Dejima923 views
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Another wall door that leads to the basement tunnel.922 views
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Flower arrangement. She's about to put the flower into the vase made of bamboo. On her lap, there's a pair of scissors used for flower arrangement. Her purple kimono has a design showing wisteria flowers. The season must have been spring.921 viewsThe card was printed in color so it's not that old.
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Conch shell920 views
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Keiji Suzuki vs. Hiroaki Takahashi918 views
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Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge. It is one of Tokyo's symbols. Behind the bridge, you can see Fushimi Turret. This picture was taken on a different day and not while we were crossing the bridge.914 views
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I love the design of this boat. 千秋・太郎号のフィックス艇913 views
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Inside Kumano Shrine. Notice the wooden penises on lower left.912 views
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Japanese Beauty. I would call this a representative example of a "Nihon Bijin" or Japanese Beauty photograph. She's posed formally, dressed in a kimono, and looking serene and attractive. She might bJe a geisha. Hand-colored, and undivided b912 viewsI bought it for 1,200 yen.
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The 2nd CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show was held during a cold winter of Feb. 9-13, 2011.912 views
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Entrance to the Peace Park908 views
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Japan fans. The sign says, "Downward slope ahead, walk slowly." It's only about 10:30 am, so it's a good time to walk around the Imperial Palace and the East Gardens. Although no flowers are in bloom, you might see autumn leaves.907 viewsFor more info about the Imperial Family and visiting the palace, see the Imperial Household Agency's Web site.
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Free amazake (sweet sake). It's a white, creamy liquid served with small dried fish with wiggly tails. Sort of reminds you of something...907 viewsSperm!
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Now a shelf. It leads to the attic.906 views
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Sake905 views
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One of many daruma shops in the town.904 views
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Friends after all903 viewsKyokushuzan chats with fellow Mongolian Asashoryu.
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Old school library is now a K-ON gallery, event space, and cafe. Fans of the popular manga/anime called K-ON! gather here on weekends.902 views
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Edo Geisha895 views江戸芸者
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Ueno-shi Station has ninja dolls to greet you.895 views
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Uwajima Castle tower (Important Cultural Property), Ehime Prefecture.894 views
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Canon models (EOS 30D demo)894 viewsThis Canon ministage was surrounded by EOS 30D cameras which we could use to shoot these female models on the ministage. They let us print out a picture (A4 size) and take it home.
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Festival spectators come by the busload, including people from US military bases such as Yokota.894 views
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Otsu Matsuri is one of Shiga's major festivals featuring thirteen ornate floats displayed and paraded around central Otsu over two days before Sports Day, a national holiday around Oct. 10.893 views
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Hula and cherry blossoms891 views
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Suzuki Motorcycles890 views
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10:25 am: Clearing out the crowd. We were promptly herded to the exit to make room for the next horde of people waiting to see the Emperor who appeared two more times that day.889 views
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Rumi889 views
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Emergency escape hatch whose lock can be quickly released with a sheet of paper.888 views
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I can't see... That's what he said: "Mienai" The kids nearby were screaming with laughter.885 views
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Entrance to the basement.885 views
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White sands at Omi-Maiko, Lake Biwa.884 views
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Shrine maiden on horseback called Munanori Onna.884 views
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New Status Symbol at Warabi Hadaka Matsuri in Yotsukaido, Chiba.882 views
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Dance879 views
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Ladder going to the 2nd floor. There's also a trap door on the floor below the ladder where the ninja could hide. Notice the rope. The ninja hiding under the floor would tug the rope connected to the 2nd floor.879 views
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Belly dancer at Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival. Tokyo.875 views
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Ninja swords.872 views
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Actress Riho Makise throwing setsubun beans at Narita-san872 views
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These photos were taken in late April 2007. (Copyright year in the images are mistaken.)869 views
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Hidden floor compartment where they hid their valuables outside the house.869 views
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Mausoleum of Tokugawa Shoguns 徳川将軍家墓所865 viewsAfter Tokugawa Ieyasu started to rule the Kanto region, he designated Zojoji as the family temple of the Tokugawa clan. The Mausoleum has the tombs of six Tokugawa Shoguns (the 2nd shogun Hidetada, 6th shogun Ienobu, 7th shogun Ietsugu, 9th shogun Ieshige, 12th shogun Ieyoshi, and 14th shogun Iemochi), Imperial Princess Kazunomiya (wife of Shogun Iemochi), and wives and children of shoguns. A total of 38 people are buried here.
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The Ninja house (Ninja yashiki) is one of the main attractions of the Ninja Village. This was an actual ninja house belonging to the Fujibayashi ninja family. It was disassembled and transplanted here from Ohara Ichiba in Koka.860 views
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Map of Kajo Koen Park. 霞城公園859 views
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Hula dancing at a phallus festival?? (Click photo to learn why.)855 viewsBecause hula can also be considered as a sexually-suggestive dance. The way they sway the hips, etc., can be sexy enough to stir up your loins...
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About the song and rowing route... この歌について（日本語解説）855 viewsShiga Prefecture's most famous and beloved song is called Biwako Shuko no Uta (琵琶湖周航の歌) or "Lake Biwa Rowing Song." I have rendered this song into both pictures and English, according to my own imagination and interpretation.
Please see this page for a full explanation: https://photoguide.jp/txt/Lake_Biwa_Rowing_Song
First composed in 1917 by a bunch of college students from Kyoto, the song has been recorded by many famous Japanese singers and groups. In 1971, it became a major nationwide hit with singer Tokiko Kato's rendition. Today, the song remains a favorite among choir groups in Japan, and a choir singing contest is held for the song every June (since 1997) in Imazu, the birthplace of the song in the northwestern corner of Lake Biwa.
Shiga Prefecture also has stone monuments dedicated to each of the six verses. There's even a museum (Biwako Shuko no Uta Shiryokan) in Imazu dedicated to the song. Okaya city on the shores of Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, the birthplace of the song's composer, Taro Oguchi (小口太郎) (1897-1924), also has a song monument and bronze statue of him.
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Hachiman-yama Castle wall854 views
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Sugamo Jizo-dori shopping street 巣鴨地蔵通り商店街854 views
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When you push in the end of this floor plank, it opens up to reveal a sword.854 views
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Beachgoers frolick in the lake as the rowing boats arrive.853 views
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Shibuya Station, Hachiko Exit smoking area852 views
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The Peace Statue was built in Aug. 1955, the 10th anniversary of the bombing. The Peace Statue was modeled after popular wrestler Rikidozan.848 views
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Unique helmets worn by warlords on the battlefield.847 views
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Lively Colors of Kagurazaka（神楽坂華の彩）845 viewsThe final number, called Lively Colors of Kagurazaka (Kagurazaka Hana no Irodori) actually consisted of seven dances. This was the first one performed by three geisha. （ひと里）
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Lollipop maker, very popular845 views
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Phallus daikon radish auction, minimum bid 200 yen843 viewsAll the daikon they were carving earlier in the day were sold at an auction. Most were sold for a few hundred yen. They even had an English interpreter (woman on left) so foreigners could bid too.
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"Nanohanaya"843 views
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No Photography842 views撮影禁止 - The sign reads "Satsuei kinshi." "Satsuei" means to take photos, and "kinshi" means "prohibited." The "No photo" symbol also makes it clear.
On Japanese warning signs, the three most common words you will see are "kinshi" （禁止）, "kiken" （危険）, and "chui" (or "go-chui") （注意）. They respectively mean "prohibited," "danger," and "beware of."
Place: World PC Expo in Makuhari Messe in Chiba.
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Edo Geisha. These geisha are from Asakusa, which also happens to be one of Tokyo's geisha districts. 江戸芸者842 views
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Torii gate to Kumano-sha Shrine.841 views
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Inside one of the galleries.839 views
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YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 25, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrives at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. George Washington and Carrier Air Wing 5 will be operating from Fleet Activities Yokosuka.839 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 25, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrives at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. George Washington and Carrier Air Wing 5 will be operating from Fleet Activities Yokosuka as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo Kuji Kawabe (Released)
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Honda Civic, one of the few Japanese cars at the show.839 views
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Plum Blossom Queens in Kairakuen, Mito837 views
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The outlandish Elizabeth mikoshi carried by she-males.837 views
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Azuchi Castle tower replica at House of Nobunaga. Very ornate and beautiful. both outside and inside.836 views
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Maiko in Her Room834 viewsA private moment. This maiko is lying down in her kimono reading a comic book after getting tired of playing cards. Her mama-san probably would not be pleased to see her wrinkle the kimono like that. Not sure if this was staged or a candid shot. It's hard for anyone to lie down like that in a kimono.
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Court ladies called myobu. 命婦833 views
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Inner palace women832 views
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The crowd awaits the departure of the portable shrines to go on the procession around town.832 views
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Costume Player831 viewsIn Tokyo, large anime and manga fairs are held at convention halls such as Tokyo Big Sight and Makuhari Messe. Many cosplayers also attend these events and pose for photographers. You can see many anime, manga, and video game characters come to life in an incredible array of costumes.
See more photos of cosplayers here.
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The first room you see in the house is the living room. You can sit and have free "ninja tea" while waiting for a guided tour of the house. Along with the geisha, the ninja is one of the most recognized but misunderstood things about Japan.831 views
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Hula Halau'O Kamuela from Oahu won the overall title at the 2008 Merrie Monarch Festival held in Hilo, Hawai'i. The overall winner is also invited to perform at Ikaho Spa's annual Hawaiian Festival held in August.831 views
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Japanese belly dancers at Noge Daidogei in Yokohama.831 views
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Leggy Ricoh girl830 views
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引けや引け引け828 views
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Sarutahiko-no-Okami, the deity who led the descent of Amaterasu (Sun Goddess) from heaven to earth.827 views
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Girl with Umbrella. Hand-colored postcard dating before 1918. The kimono looks like casual wear, and the design pattern was typical during the turn of the 20th century. She's still in her teens it seems. One of the first vintage postcards I bought. Y2827 views
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Naoko Yamazaki gets help in the donning of her shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a water survival training session...827 views17 Sept. 2009 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, gets help in the donning of her shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a water survival training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near NASA's Johnson Space Center. United Space Alliance suit technicians assisted Yamazaki.
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A Touch of Mud. One custom is to receive a touch of mud on your face.826 views
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Kyuden Totei plaza826 views
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Mikoshi (portable shrine) bearers gather in front of Kumano Shrine.826 views
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Ema votive tablet with giant penis portable shrine. 500 yen.826 views
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Inner palace women824 views
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Filled on our right823 views
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The old Kanayama Shrine822 views
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Ninja armored suit for protection against swords.822 views
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Edo Geisha821 views江戸芸者
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Kumano-sha Shrine, the starting point of the procession or "Penis Parade." 熊野社821 views
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Swimsuit Beauties. These are typical swimsuits worn during the late 19th century. Horizontal stripes were in vogue. They are not posed very well, but there's something charming about them. This postcard is postmarked Aug. 1912. A nice summertime greet821 views
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One exhibition room has a model of the Battleship Yamato wreck.821 views
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Mud Spotting, Warabi Hadaka Matsuri in Yotsukaido, Chiba. The men hold babies and use mud to paint a mud spot on the baby's face. It is to wish for happiness for the baby.820 views
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Shuriken target practice at the Shuriken Dojo in Koka Ninja Village, Shiga Prefecture. 手裏剣道場820 views
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Grand sumo tournaments are held six times a year in Jan., March, May, July, Sept., and Nov. They are held at Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo in Jan., May, and Sept. In March, it is in Osaka, July in Nagoya, and Nov. in Fukuoka. This is the Kokugikan.820 views
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Side gate to Takahata Fudoson temple. Welcome signfor the Ajisai Matsuri.818 views
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Hypocenter of atomic bomb815 viewsA series of concentric circles emanate from the marker.
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Lowrider toy cars too.814 views
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Intermission812 viewsThis Ushigome-Tansu Kumin Hall can hold almost 400 people. Both shows were sold out. Tickets are sold about a month in advance. They sold out within 2 weeks. I was sitting in the middle of the hall (non-reserved seating). Tickets cost only 2,000 yen.
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812 views
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Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, Shiga Pref. 大奥夢道中812 views
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Explanatory map of the Battle of Sekigahara812 views
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In Japanese, the Imperial Palace is called "Kokyo" (皇居）. This term begun to be used from 1948. Until then, it was called "Kyujo" (meaning palace castle 宮城）from the time Emperor Meiji took up residence.811 views
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Model at Nikon booth808 views
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Model for Canon Kiss Digital N807 views
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Close-up of Ichiyo sakura cherry blossoms. "Ichiyo" means "one leaf." You can see that the flower actually has a small green leaf inside. 一葉桜806 views
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During Aug. 22-23, 2009, Yokota Air Base held its annual Japanese-American Friendship Festival. I went on the 23rd, arriving at about 11 am. The base was open through Supply Gate No. 5 which is near Ushihama Station on the JR Ome Line.806 views
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The End(s)805 views
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Edo Geisha804 views江戸芸者
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Trap door on the floor opened.804 views
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Osaka Evessa cheerleaders shake hands with boosters as they are in tears. It was their second time to lose a championship game.804 views
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Happi coat with official logo802 views
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Yamaha Motorcycles801 viewsYamaha's booth was the most elegant in the motorcycle section.
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6. Hahha Kudoki ハッハくどき801 views
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Taxi fares from Shin-Iwakuni Station799 views
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Clear waters and beautiful Lake Biwa beach at Omi-Maiko798 views
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798 viewsA retirement ceremony for an important sumo wrestler includes a variety of activities besides the actual ceremony of cutting away the topknot. It involves almost the entire Japan Sumo Association, and most wrestlers in the top three divisions (Makushita, Juryo, and Makunouchi) also appear in exhibition matches.
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Lock picks798 views
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Mud Fight797 views
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Oiran Dochu Procession. Her clogs. 花の吉原おいらん道中797 views
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Another swinging wall door.795 views
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Portable shrine for Takeinadane-no-Mikoto who was a local prince married to Tamahime which Tagata Shrine worships.794 views
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Amenomori is Takatsuki's showcase and flagship area. It's a quiet, rural part of town with waterwheels, roadside streams and flowers. Charming and picturesque.792 views
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791 views
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Uradome Coast, Tottori, part of the San-in Coast National Park. 山陰海岸国立公園790 views
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Iwakuni Station 岩国駅788 views
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Peace Fountain with the Peace Statue in the distance788 viewsA fountain of water was made for the victims who were desperate for water.
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Portable shrine procession788 views
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2. Sumidagawa (Sumida River)788 views
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The kamuro attendants precede the oiran.788 views
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Takamisakari for butsuri keiko786 viewsEverybody cheered whenever he entered the ring.
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Shinsengumi785 views新撰組
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Oiran Dochu procession, Tokyo784 views
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The Kokugikan as seen from JR Ryogoku Station platform.783 views
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Saruwaka Sanza, Edo Kabuki782 views猿若三座 江戸歌舞伎
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Oiran. Her wig and geta clogs weigh the same (about 7 kg or 15 pounds each) to keep her head and feet balanced. Her whole outfit weighs about 60 pounds (27 kg). That's why she needs his shoulder for support as she walks. 花魁781 views
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Beware of Habu Snakes780 viewsハブに注意 - "Habu ni chūi." Finally we see the third most common word on warning signs: Chui, meaning "beware of" or "watch out for." Habu is a species of poisonous snake common in Okinawa where this picture was taken.
Place: Okinawa
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The second mikoshi features the giant penis carried by 12 men at a time, all of whom are age 42, considered to be an unlucky age (yakudoshi) for men. They seek protection by carrying the phallus.779 views
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Water spider (mizugumo): How the ninja did it. This drawing from the Koka Ninja House shows how it was done. The ninja sat on the board inside the wooden ring and waded through the water while partially submerged. His wooden clogs had small flippers.779 views
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Nagasaki atomic bomb peace park hypocenter778 views
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778 views
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Honda W.O.W. Concept777 viewsHonda had nice women posing, but I was hoping they would bring out the Asimo robots to introduce the cars.
I smiled at her, but she never noticed me...
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