Category Archives: Tokyo

About life in Tokyo

Mõja-okuri: The End of New Years

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tokyo_moja_okuriMoja-okuri is a rite that signals the end of the New Year celebrations in Japan. This ritual takes place on January 18th at Senso-ji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple in Tokyo.

After dark, the lights are turned off in the temple grounds. It is pitch black. Two priest dressed as demons and carrying flaming torches run out of the main hall and through the precincts. They leave the temple grounds and go to a nearby site where the torches are extinguished in a small pit. The whole event is over in five minutes.

The priests represent evil spirits—one red, one blue. If the sparks from the torches fall on you, it is believed you will have good health throughout the year. People collect the ashes that fall from the torches as good luck charms.

The Torii: a Sacred Gate

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tokyo_meiji_jingu_torii_2Most shines in Japan are marked by a gate called a torii. As the worshipper passes through the gate, it symbolized the transition from the mundane world into a sacred space. This gate is at Meiji Shrine, the largest shrine in Tokyo. The structure just beyond the gate is the ablution pavilion, or temizuya, where worshippers will rise their mouth and wash their hands as a purification rite.
Futon Daiko - William Ash

Sacred for a Day

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sacred_for_a_dayShinto festivals are community rites. The god of the local shrine is transferred to a portable shrine, which is carried through the parish in an all-day event. Teams sing and dance while carrying their divine host. Along the way, these bearers stop for refreshment.

There are no sermons. This is no proselytizing. The revelation is far more subtle, far more profound. The place, the people are sacred for this day and for every day that follows. Click on the image for a larger view.

Futon Daiko - William Ash

Asakusa Kannon Temple in Tokyo

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sensojiOne of the largest temples in Japan is in Asakusa in Tokyo. Sensoji (or Senso Temple) is dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion. The grounds are always packed with crowds of visitors, of worshippers. The Japanese come to wish or to offer thanks for wishes granted. The wishes that are carried here reflect the facets of life–the gift of a child, success in an exam, a new job, cures for illness, hopes for prosperity, or solace for the deceased. No matter the wish, no matter the burden, the atmosphere is always like a festival. Click on the image for a larger view.