As the Buddhist slowly approached and then passed the Christian, no words were spoken. In fact, there wasn’t even a nod, just a glance.
Yet it was a reaction nonetheless. One that, despite its minimal nature, was still more than either of them could muster from the masses.
Oli. says
In cash they trust…
rururan says
I really don’t know if I can or should maintain any faith in any of them religions.
When you are not one of the hard core fans of one or the other, they can get along pretty well.
Like at grandma’s: http://bit.ly/sfO4qQ
melon says
not really on topic but i’m loving that grey coat on the left
James says
I dunno, I am a hard core fan of Jesus, but that scare-the-hell-out-of-people “tactic” just don’t work for me. I suppose it might work for some, but that doesn’t seem to be doing the job here. Personally, I think if you want people to know about God’s love, no matter who you think He is, then show them.
Asking for money for blessings seems greedy and misaligned, and threatening people into faith… these seems to be very un-divine motivators if you ask me… (which no one did.)
Lee says
Yeah, I totally agree.
Ben says
Totally agree, James. Fear will never drive a person to Jesus, but perfect love (Jesus!) drives out all fear (of punishment). Good call on that one.
F. says
Ginza?
Gijs says
So it says on the metro station entrance 🙂
Lee says
Yes, Ginza!
dochimichi1 says
Fantastic outfit on the Buddhist person! Love the quiet dignity, with which the donations (?) are gathered.
Lee says
He certainly makes for a striking sight in busy Ginza.
Hans ter Horst says
It is a mendicant monk from one of the temples on Mt Koya; he is not asking money for a blessing, he blesses you if you donate a little money for his meal. A temple stay at Mt Koya is really a great way of catching a glimpse of how religion works in Japan (I really enjoyed it).
However, when I showed my photo of a mendicant monk in Ginza to some Japanese friends, several told me that there are actually quite a few fake monks supposed to be going around in Tokyo which really saddens me. Here is my take on a similar shot: http://monochrome.me.uk/blog/p/280
Lee says
Really nice photograph. Great contrast between the monk and the young women.
Never done a temple stay. Will have to look in to that. Sounds interesting.
Yes, I’ve heard that too. Tough to say if he is for real or not, although I’ve been told that if they bear the name of a temple, they are far more likely to be legit.
Gijs says
I heard that some of the Buddhist priests are actually beggars in priest clothes. Do you know anything about that Lee?
Lee says
Yeah, like I mentioned in the comment above, some of them are said to be fakes. But how true it is, and how many are fakes, I really couldn’t say. Having seen countless such people in my time here though, it seems to be an awful lot of trouble to go to, as they don’t seem to get many donations at all.
Zoglog says
In Japan now on vacation and was @ Shibuya. Saw those Jesus people blasting off @ the crossing. Was my friend’s first time in Japan and he was shocked by the presence.
Lee says
Yeah, I’ve seen them all over the place. Shinjuku. Ginza. Ueno. Even saw a truck driving round blaring the same message out in Shibuya yesterday. Pretty common at this time of year, but the numbers do seem to have grown this time.
LA Observer says
Yes I am with “melon” [28 Dec 2011] on this one. The girl’s hair is so gorgeous. Just goes to show, the eye of the camera catches much more than was anticipated.
Nice photo Lee !