As you could see from previous posts - now is the shrine carrying season in Tokyo. On most weekends some part or other of the city is shutdown for local organisations to carry their shrine around the streets and into the local temple to be blessed. This all goes back to the agricultural roots of the country and just like harvest festivals in Europe, it was a chance for the farmers to thank the Gods for a good harvest and let their hair down and have a good time. Now it is a bunch of salarymen doing the same thing. It is fabulous fun and very photogenic. My local shrine is Ooori-jinja - literally "Big Bird Shrine" - and they got into full swing a couple of weeks ago. I took along a brace of cameras - my amazing Fuji X100s, my new baby X-Pro1 and one of the incredible Sigma Merrills - in this case the wide angle DP1. Let me know what you think…..
Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm F1.4 lens.
This little guy was amazing and really got into the spirit of the whole thing. Sigma DP1 Merrill.
All suitably dressed. Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm F1.4 lens.
I bet these guys have seen a few of these events. Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm F1.4 lens.
Have your prayers written for you. Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm F1.4 lens.
Traditional dress. Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm F1.4 lens.
The clap. Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm F1.4 lens.
Nice haircut. Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm F1.4 lens.
Tis guy acted as a sort of traffc policeman. Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm F1.4 lens.
This was hot work and everyone took turns. Sigma DP1 Merrill.
The shrines had special places to rest and were fastidiously cleaned. Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm F1.4 lens.
These guys had the biggest team and made the most noise. Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm F1.4 lens.
Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm F1.4 lens.