The 'real' Japan

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

WORLDWIDE | Monday, 30 August 2010 | Views [3292]

This small Shinto shrine, nestled within a forest grove of Japanese cedar near Tazawako in the Akita prefecture is a prime example of the spiritual link modern Japanese people have between their daily lives and surrounding nature. Unassuming shrines like this are to be found within every small community of people and are built to worship various spirits or 'kami' that live in natural features in, or nearby the shrine, often a large rock, or tree.

Shinto is the indigenous spirituality of Japan and her people, dating back thousands of years BC, it's traditions are still respected alongside Zen Buddhism in a syncretic spiritual mix by 84-96% of the population.

This is a modern Shinto priest mediating under the sacred running waters of the Kyoto Fushimi Inari shrine complex demonstrating the link the Japanese have between their ancient and present history.

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This is an unusually large collection of 'Jizō Bosatsu' or small stone depictions of lost children erected by grieving parents in the town. Found near the town of Amanohashidatte, in Kyoto prefecture.

These are a daily reminder of the influence of the indigenous spirituality of Shinto on modern society, as similar tributes are to be found all around Japan, on roads, in gardens, at the base of trees, adorned with the spiritually significant red colour and often with toys or other offerings.

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The 'real' Japan

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

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