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Taiko drum demonstrationApr 08, 2006
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"Robocop" Takamisakari gets readyThe top-division Makunouchi wrestlers went through their matches quickly.Apr 08, 2006
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Makunouchi dohyo-iriNext was exhibition sumo matches by the top-division Makunouchi wrestlers. Musashimaru never appeared again.Apr 08, 2006
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Takamisakari winsApr 08, 2006
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Makunouchi dohyo-iriApr 08, 2006
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Nephews give a flower bouquet (they can step on the sumo ring)Apr 08, 2006
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Makunouchi dohyo-iriApr 08, 2006
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Makunochi dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremonyApr 08, 2006
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Makunouchi dohyo-iriApr 08, 2006
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But his mom cannot step on the sumo ring...Females are prohibited from entering the sumo ring. Barring women from stepping onto the sumo ring, even to give an award to a wrestler, is one of the most blatant and preposterous forms of sexual discrimination in Japan. It was devised centuries ago, and for the sake of tradition, traditionalists in the sumo world have maintained this extremely absurd custom and belief that women are considered to be impure (due to menstruation). I'm not saying this as a gaijin (foreigner) who likes to criticize Japan or the Japanese. Nor am I saying this as a women's rights advocate. I say this from the standpoint of plain, old common sense.
Up to 1909, women were actually not allowed enter a sumo arena to view sumo matches. And once upon a time, women were prohibited from setting foot on sacred Mt. Fuji. Can you imagine if these traditions were still being practiced today?
Such discriminatory practices were abolished long ago, and here we are in the 21st century with women still unable to step into the sumo ring. The Japan Sumo Association has constantly rejected requests from important female ministers in the Prime Minister's Cabinet to give an award to the tournament winner in the sumo ring.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru and his flowersThis was his last appearance at this retirement ceremony.Apr 08, 2006
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Awaiting the final cut as we listen to one of his famous matches.Apr 08, 2006
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His mom is next...Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru minus his topknotApr 08, 2006
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The End of Hawaii's Golden Age in sumo. For the first time since 1968, no wrestler from Hawaii is in the top Makunouchi division.Apr 08, 2006
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Snip by Yokozuna Asashoryu and a symbolic passing of the baton from one foreign yokozuna to the next (and only) foreign yokozuna.Mongolia's Golden Age of Sumo has begun.Apr 08, 2006
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The final cut by stablemaster Musashigawa Oyakata.Apr 08, 2006
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He was grim-faced all throughoutApr 08, 2006
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Snip and a hug by Konishiki (Question: Where was Akebono??)Apr 08, 2006
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Panoramic shot of the KokugikanNotice the upper floor was quite empty, similar to Akebono's retirement ceremony.Apr 08, 2006
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Snip by stablemate Ozeki MusoyamaApr 08, 2006
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More blood relatives (or brothers)Apr 08, 2006
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Snip by actor Hiroshi Fujioka, who played Kamen Rider in the '70s.Apr 08, 2006
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Snip by Kitanoumi, the head of the Japan Sumo AssociationApr 08, 2006
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Snip by Musashimaru's brotherApr 08, 2006
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Snip by singer Shigeru MatsuzakiFamous for his classic hit, "Ai no Memory."Apr 08, 2006
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Oh, I gotta take a picture of this...Look at the gyoji referee who must be thinking, "C'mon, hurry up!"Apr 08, 2006
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Head supporter speaksApr 08, 2006
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Konishiki is called and he entersApr 08, 2006
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The scissors (golden)I think it was given by French President Chirac who is a sumo fan.Apr 08, 2006
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Calling Musashimaru (with a conch shell)Apr 08, 2006
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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.Apr 08, 2006
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The chairApr 08, 2006
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Laying the red carpet for the main event.Apr 08, 2006
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Here he comes...Apr 08, 2006
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Male hula dancer at one cornerThe original plan was for the hula dancers to perform on the ring itself. But at the last minute, Musashimaru decided that it was not appropriate so they danced outside the ring.Apr 08, 2006
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He goes back to the dressing roomApr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru's final dohyo-iriApr 08, 2006
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This must be a first, a kumu hula (hula teacher) from Hawaii performing on the sumo ring.He is Sonny Ching, a well-known hula teacher in Hawaii. He brought four male hula dancers who danced at the four corners of the ring.Apr 08, 2006
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Sumo jinkuThey are singing sumo jinku, a chant-like song about sumo and sumo wrestlers. They are singing about Musashimaru and his career.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru's final dohyo-iri endsApr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru's final dohyo-iriApr 08, 2006
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He performs his last yokozuna dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony. He is flanked by Musoyama on the left as the sword bearer, and Miyabiyama on the right as the dew sweeper.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru's final dohyo-iriApr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru's final dohyo-iriHe could have had Yokozuna Asashoryu be either the sword bearer or dew sweeper, but he chose to have his stablemates to join his final dohyo-iri.Apr 08, 2006
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Apr 08, 2006
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Rear view of the shiranui style of tying the rope.He turned in all four directions to show everyone what it looked like. This is what is called the shiranui style of tying the rope. It is characterized by a single loop in the back. The other style, called unryu, has twin loops.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru goes back and then comes back...Apr 08, 2006
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Tying the rope at the back.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru acknowledges a spectator as he proceeds to the ring.This was a demonstration on how they tie on the thick, white rope (tsuna) around his waist. The tsuna is the symbol of the yokozuna. It takes several assistants to put it on. They are all wearing white gloves.Apr 08, 2006
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They wrap the rope around his waist from the front, or the thickest part of the rope.This was a demonstration on how they tie on the thick, white rope (tsuna) around his waist. The tsuna is the symbol of the yokozuna. It takes several assistants to put it on. They are all wearing white gloves.Apr 08, 2006
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Pulling it tightApr 08, 2006
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Yokozuna "tsuna" belt demoApr 08, 2006
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Tidying up the ringApr 08, 2006
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Comic sumo (shokkiri sumo)This is comedy time with two young wrestlers performing various comical antics (spitting at each other, kicking, and other illegal sumo acts) on the ring.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru finally appears for a yokozuna belt demoApr 08, 2006
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Comic sumo (shokkiri sumo)This is comedy time with two young wrestlers performing various comical antics (spitting at each other, kicking, and other illegal sumo acts) on the ring.Apr 08, 2006
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Ozeki Musoyama is defeated.Apr 08, 2006
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Apr 08, 2006
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Yobidashi wearing Aloha-print garbApr 08, 2006
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The kids gradually get bigger.Apr 08, 2006
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Sumo match with kidsA 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.Apr 08, 2006
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Juryo sumo matchApr 08, 2006
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A 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.Apr 08, 2006
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Hairdressing demonstrationApr 08, 2006
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Juryo Division dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremonyApr 08, 2006
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The ceremony opens with taiko drum beating on the sumo ring.Apr 08, 2006
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Makushita sumo matchLower-division wrestlers wear black belts, while the upper division wrestlers wear white belts (during practice) or colored belts during official matches.Apr 08, 2006
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Sumo exhibition matches with lower division Makushita wrestlers.A 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.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru souvenirs at the Kokugikan's souvenir shopApr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru dollApr 08, 2006
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Giant painted pictures of Musashimaru decorating the arena inside. Each one commemorates a tournament victory.These giant pictures are actually black-and-white photographs taken in a photo studio and printed on large paper. Then it is hand-painted in color by a woman who has been doing it for years.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru merchandiseApr 08, 2006
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Musashigawa Stable wrestler wearing Aloha-print yukataFlowery pattern (plumeria) with "Musashimaru" imprinted.Apr 08, 2006
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The retirement ceremony had a lot of Hawaiian touches. This was only the beginning.Hula dancers and live Hawaiian band from Hawaii.Apr 08, 2006
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Konishiki also sings. (His company arranged the entertainment.)Apr 08, 2006
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In the entrance hall, hula and Hawaiian music direct from HawaiiApr 08, 2006
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Musashigawa Stable wrestlers greet visitorsIncludes Miyabiyama and Musoyama.Apr 08, 2006
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Entrance hall is clogged up by a side show of hula.Apr 08, 2006
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Signboard for retirement ceremony at entrance.It reads "Musashimaru, Intai Danpatsu Hiroo Ozumo" which means "Musashimaru Topknot-Cutting and Retirement Sumo Exhibition."Apr 08, 2006
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Musashigawa stablemaster (former Yokozuna Mienoumi) in the entrance hallInside the entrance hallway, there was a long table on the left side with ribbons which served as name tags for distinguished guests. Musashigawa is the name of Musashimaru's sumo stable.Apr 08, 2006
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Hawaii's last sumo wrestler shakes hands.If he were married, his wife would be beside him.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru right after I shook his hand.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru at the entranceApr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru greets the crowdApr 08, 2006
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Passing out programsApr 08, 2006
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Crowd enters the Kokugikan for Musashimaru's retirement ceremony on Oct. 2, 2004.Apr 08, 2006
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Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena as seen from Ryogoku StationApr 08, 2006
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Crowd outside the Kokugikan await their favorite wrestlers.Apr 08, 2006
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Lollipop maker, very popularApr 07, 2006
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Male and female lollipops (mass produced). Cute, but we all prefer the real thing, right?Apr 07, 2006
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Handmade male/female lollipops for 600 yen eachApr 07, 2006
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Lollipops (mass produced)The wrapping is printed with a prayer for conceiving.Apr 07, 2006
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DanceApr 07, 2006
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Now this is a work of art. Bid at least 3,000 yen please...A Japanese woman bought this, but no takers for the mochi phallus (also 3,000 yen minimum).Apr 07, 2006
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Long line at the lollipop stand...Apr 07, 2006
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Even a rock band played...They played '70s rock.Apr 07, 2006
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Look, this one even has wrinkles (probably flaccid).Yes, he actually said that. Apr 07, 2006
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Male and female made of mochi. Both were offerings at the shrine.Apr 07, 2006
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Two for the price of one!!Apr 07, 2006
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Not exactly a work of art, but...Apr 07, 2006
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Hula and cherry blossomsApr 07, 2006
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Hula and cherry blossomsApr 07, 2006
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Items for the auction's climax...Apr 07, 2006
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Hula and cherry blossomsApr 07, 2006
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Male and female made of mochi (1000 yen)Apr 07, 2006
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Phallus daikon radish auction, minimum bid 200 yenAll 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.Apr 07, 2006
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Hula dancing at a phallus festival?? (Click photo to learn why.)Because 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...Apr 07, 2006
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HulaApr 07, 2006
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Back at the shrineApr 07, 2006
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Ceremony back at the shrineApr 07, 2006
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Hula and cherry blossomsApr 07, 2006
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Turning around at the end of the route.Apr 07, 2006
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One of many daruma shops in the town.Apr 07, 2006
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Amulets, votive tablets, etc., for sale by the shrine.Apr 07, 2006
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Kanamara mikoshiApr 07, 2006
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Elizabeth mikoshi carried by she-malesApr 07, 2006
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Kanamara mikoshiApr 07, 2006
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Maid with paws...Apr 07, 2006
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Entering the main shopping streetApr 07, 2006
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Elizabeth mikoshi carried by she-malesApr 07, 2006
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Elizabeth mikoshi carried by she-malesApr 07, 2006
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She-male (or maybe just a drag queen, I couldn't visually or physically confirm)Apr 07, 2006
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They are shouting, "Dekkai-mara Dekkai-mara" which probably means "huge phallus."Apr 07, 2006
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Portable shrine processionApr 07, 2006
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Kanamara boat mikoshiApr 07, 2006
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Kanayama Shrine's head priestApr 07, 2006
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Head of the portable shrine processionTengu, shrine priest, and a little girl with an offertory tray. I put in 10 yen, and a shrine maiden came up to me and waved the sacred branch over my head as a blessing. She also gave me an amulet made of paper. I guess I'm fertile now...Apr 07, 2006
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Tengu (nose is not shaped like a phallus)Apr 07, 2006
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Portable shrine processionApr 07, 2006
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Art work on the cartApr 07, 2006
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Portable shrine processionApr 07, 2006
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Old photoThis picture was taken in the 1980s.Apr 07, 2006
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Portable shrine procession 神輿の巡幸Apr 07, 2006
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The red cloth is the blood after the demon inside the vagina bit the phallus (Old photo)This picture was taken in the 1980s.Apr 07, 2006
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Heading out of the shrine (old photo)This picture was taken in the 1980s.Apr 07, 2006
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Kanamara mikoshi salutes the Wakamiya Hachimangu ShrineApr 07, 2006
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Heading out to the torii gate 神輿の巡幸Apr 07, 2006
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And it leaves the shrine.Apr 07, 2006
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Kanamara mikoshi salutes the Wakamiya Hachimangu ShrineApr 07, 2006
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The main Kanamara mikoshi leaves last.Apr 07, 2006
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Kanamara mikoshiApr 07, 2006
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Kanamara mikoshiApr 07, 2006
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The Elizabeth mikoshi pumping up and down as it makes it way to townApr 07, 2006
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Phallus in the Kanamara boat mikoshiApr 07, 2006
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The outlandish Elizabeth mikoshi carried by she-males.Apr 07, 2006
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Kanamara boat mikoshiApr 07, 2006
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People could borrow and wear kimono for free, courtesy of the shrine.The portable shrine procession is actually called a "costume parade." You can wear a mask or whatever and also wear a kimono (considered to be a costume) and join in the parade.Apr 07, 2006
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The Kanamara boat mikoshi is the first to leave.Apr 07, 2006
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The Kanamara boat mikoshi is the first to leave. 神輿の巡幸Apr 07, 2006
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The crowd awaits the departure of the portable shrines to go on the procession around town.Apr 07, 2006
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Happi coat with official logoApr 07, 2006
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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...Sperm!Apr 07, 2006
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Lollipop, lollipop, oh lolly-lollipop (pop!)...From an old song. These lollipops were selling like hotcakes.Apr 07, 2006
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Another phallus near Kanayama ShrineIt was pretty lonely, with no one paying attention to it.Apr 07, 2006
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Shack for votive tabletsApr 07, 2006
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Blacksmith's toolApr 07, 2006
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Roof ridge emblemApr 07, 2006
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Prayers for a child written on these votive tablets (ema)Apr 07, 2006
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The old Kanayama ShrineApr 07, 2006
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The old Kanayama ShrinePicture was taken in the 1980s.Apr 07, 2006
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The old Kanayama ShrineApr 07, 2006
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Inside Kanayama ShrineApr 07, 2006
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Giving offerings inside Kanayama ShrineApr 07, 2006
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Shrine maidenApr 07, 2006
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Kanayama Shrine altar offeringsNotice the male and female mochi offering.Apr 07, 2006
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Kanayama Shrine altarApr 07, 2006
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Painting inside Kanayama ShrineApr 07, 2006
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Inside Kanayama ShrineKanayama 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.Apr 07, 2006
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Kanayama Shrine altarFlanked by penis statues on the left and right.Apr 07, 2006
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Inside Kanayama ShrineApr 07, 2006
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Ooohhh, ecstasy...Nah, just joking. She was actually just embarassed and spontaneously covered her face with a giggle. Obviously I have better shots of her with her cute face showing, but I'm not one to embarass people... Boy, I wish I took a video clip of this scene.
Actually, what happened is that a guy sat on this black penis before she did, and she saw that. So she imitated and sat on it too. Her female friend was taking her picture. Later they switched places and her friend, who was wearing a skirt and red net stockings, sat on it and posed for pictures.
Notice the zigzag white paper streamers. They indicate something which is sacred. So this penis is sacred, possessing a divine spirit. I can believe this because it draws so many people to it. It definitely has divine power. I mean it made this girl sit on it right?Apr 07, 2006
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Licking it...Look at that tongue...Apr 07, 2006
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Inside Kanayama Shrine 金山神社Kanayama 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 (you can see it on the left of the fireplace above), so blacksmiths (who use bellows to fan the fire) also worship this shrine.Apr 07, 2006
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Riding it...Obviously I have better shots of her with her cute face showing and both arms in the air, but I'm not one to embarass people...
It has been scientifically proven that sex is good for your health and beauty.Apr 07, 2006
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Kanayama Shrine (right next to Wakamiya Hachimangu)Kanayama 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.Apr 07, 2006
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Taiko drummers in front of Wakamiya HachimanguApr 07, 2006
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Penis prayersThis penis monument (built in 1995 by a steel company) is next to Kanayama Shrine. This person praying is a Caucasian man, not a woman. I was aghast when he stood up and showed his manly face. His long blond hair made me think he was a woman...Apr 07, 2006
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Wakamiya Hachimangu ShrineApr 07, 2006
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Kanamara mikoshi かなまら神輿There 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.)Apr 07, 2006
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Ready for the processionApr 07, 2006
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The main Kanamara mikoshi かなまら神輿There 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.)Apr 07, 2006
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Two of the portable shrines ready to go. In Japanese, the festival is nicknamed "Chinko Matsuri" (Phallus Festival) ちんこ祭り.There 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.)Apr 07, 2006
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Elizabeth portable shrine was donated by a drag queen club called Elizabeth Kaikan in Kameido, Tokyo.There 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.)Apr 07, 2006
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Kanamara Boat portable shrine (boat-shaped loaded with a phallus) was donated by a steel company. かなまら舟神There 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.)Apr 07, 2006
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Pubic hair not included. Perhaps that's why it doesn't look so obscene.Apr 07, 2006
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Elizabeth portable shrine エリザベス神輿Before the portable shrine is taken out to be paraded around town, the god of the shrine must be transferred to it. This is what the head priest is doing.
There 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.)Apr 07, 2006
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Prayers to the Elizabeth portable shrine エリザベス神輿Before the portable shrine is taken out to be paraded around town, the god of the shrine must be transferred to it. This is what the head priest is doing.Apr 07, 2006
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Prayers to the Elizabeth portable shrine エリザベス神輿Before the portable shrine is taken out to be paraded around town, the god of the shrine must be transferred to it. This is what the head priest is doing.Apr 07, 2006
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Waving the sacred sakaki branch to bless all of usApr 07, 2006
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A representative of the shrine parishioners offer prayers.Apr 07, 2006
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Prayers to the Kanamara-bune mikoshi かなまら舟神輿Before the portable shrine is taken out to be paraded around town, the god of the shrine must be transferred to it. This is what the head priest is doing.Apr 07, 2006
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Prayers to the Kanamara Boat portable shrine かなまら舟神輿 神輿御霊入れ式Before the portable shrine is taken out to be paraded around town, the god of the shrine must be transferred to it. This is what the head priest is doing.
There 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.)Apr 07, 2006
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The shrine's head priest transfers the deity to the Kanamara Boat portable shrine (boat-shaped loaded with a phallus) かなまら舟神輿Before the portable shrine is taken out to be paraded around town, the god of the shrine must be transferred to it. This is what the head priest is doing.Apr 07, 2006
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Forging a steel phallus (old photo)The demon living in the vagina of the women bit the man's phallus each time. So one guy made a steel phallus and the demom broke his teeth.Apr 07, 2006
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Standing room only at Wakamiya ShrineApr 07, 2006
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Packed path to Wakamiya Hachimangu ShrineApr 07, 2006
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Carving daikon. Since some activities are conducted on the ground, the festival is also called Jibeta (Ground) Matsuri.Once upon a time, the festival was still mostly a local event with much fewer people.Apr 07, 2006
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Carving daikon. Anybody can join in and carve. 大根削りLater to be auctioned off.Apr 07, 2006
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The festival is wildly popular with people from overseas.The shrine had various phallus props to pose with.Apr 07, 2006
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Dickhead hat. Actually, I don't know what they call it, but that's what I call it.Apr 07, 2006
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Carving daikon (old photo). These men were really good at carving the daikon.Apr 07, 2006
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Pumping (or humping) the...Apr 07, 2006
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Shrine banners and cherries in full bloomThe red banner says "Kanayama Jinja" with an phallus (erect) logo on the top.Apr 07, 2006
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Kanayama Jinja Shrine is a small shrine within the grounds of the Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine near Kawasaki Daishi Station. On the first Sun. of April, it holds this now-famous Kanamara Festival nicknamed the Phallus or Fertility Festival. Festival starts at 11 am. But a large crowd was already there well before that time. Entrance to shrine on the day of the Kanamara Festival. (If you're below age 18, please leave now.)Apr 07, 2006
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Ouran High School Host ClubMar 27, 2006
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Anpan Man (statue)Kids could have their picture taken with these characters.Mar 27, 2006
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Mar 27, 2006
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Booth for Hayao Miyazaki's new movie called Gedo Senki (Tales from Earthsea)To be released in July 2006, from Studio GhibliMar 27, 2006
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NoddyKids could have their picture taken with this character.Mar 27, 2006
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Digimon SaversKids could have their picture taken with these characters.Mar 27, 2006
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Mar 27, 2006
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Pretty CureKids could have their picture taken with these characters.Mar 27, 2006
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Kids could have their picture taken with these characters.Mar 27, 2006
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The crowdsMar 27, 2006
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Character balloonsMar 27, 2006
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Corridor to anime fairMar 27, 2006
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PR posterMar 27, 2006
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Sign and entrance to Tokyo Big SightMar 27, 2006
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Tokyo Big Sight hallwayMar 27, 2006
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Leaving Tokyo Big SightMar 27, 2006
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Mar 27, 2006
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Big Sight sawMar 27, 2006
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PIE 2005 photo contest winnersMar 27, 2006
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Mar 27, 2006
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Olympus at PIE 2005Mar 27, 2006
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Mar 27, 2006
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Canon Kiss Digital N (PIE 2005)Mar 27, 2006
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Nikon model in PIE 2005Mar 27, 2006
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Kodak and Mitsubishi Paper MillMar 27, 2006
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Model for Canon Kiss Digital NMar 27, 2006
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Model for Canon Kiss Digital NMar 27, 2006
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Farewell Konica-MinoltaMar 27, 2006
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Bye-bye Agfa2005 was also the last time for Agfa to have a booth.Mar 27, 2006
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Konica-Minolta booth in 2005This was the last time Konica-Minolta had a booth at the camera show.Mar 27, 2006
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Bye-bye Konica-MinoltaMar 27, 2006
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PIE 2005, ticket boothMar 27, 2006
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Photo talkMar 27, 2006
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Show for kidsVery few kids. Like why would you want to take your children to a camera show? The Tokyo Anime Fair held next door during the same time attracted the kids.Mar 27, 2006
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PIE 2005, Sanyo boothMar 27, 2006
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Photo exhibition (4th floor)Mar 27, 2006
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Photo studio equipment (4th floor)Mar 27, 2006
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Photo seminarMar 27, 2006
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Photo contest exhibitionMar 27, 2006
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Casio booth's movie mode demoMar 27, 2006
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Matsushita's Lumix boothMar 27, 2006
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LumixMar 27, 2006
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Mar 27, 2006
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