Every year on National Foundation Day, a large number of Japanese nationalists gather for a Shinto ceremony at Tokyo’s controversial Yasukuni Shrine. An event documented on this site in a series of photos last year, and also several years earlier in the snow.
Perhaps surprisingly it’s an unusually sombre affair, which is a huge contrast to how one usually sees Japan’s far-right factions — either strutting about peacock-like, or blasting the populace with ear splitting, hateful propaganda from their speaker-equipped trucks. A ceremony that in total lasts no more than 15 minutes or so, and is conducted in almost complete, reverential silence, along with a hard-edged, but at the same time undeniable solemnity. Elements that, despite the repugnant, archaic views of those participating, and the way they will inevitably behave once leaving the shrine, make the whole spectacle really quite impressive — oddly moving even. Causing this onlooker to briefly, and begrudgingly, respect those paying their respects.
Squidpuppy says
I always find it curious that they don what are basically American design BDUs. Granted, that’s probably the cheapest and most available thing, and most modern militaries wear something like this now, but the ones I find more picturesque are those who get themselves up in old school IJA garb. Or black.
I’ve also wondered what the general impression / reception would be like if they didn’t wear paramilitary dress – if they showed up, en masse, but in civilian wear. Still bearing banners, and whatnot – maybe even suits. I suppose that would defeat much of their purpose.
Are you finding that these days they’re garnering any more sympathy? What with the recent hostage crisis and Japan’s incremental re-militarization?
Lee says
It seems to depend which group they belong too. Quite a few others wear dark blue uniforms. At least the rank and filers do anyway. The main men watching over them all wear suits.
That’s a very good question. Not as I know of, although I fear that the government will use it to speed up their desired rightward shift. And with Abe newly re-elected and no opposition to speak of, it’s hard to see that being halted…
Jeffrey says
I’ve often wondered how many are ex-military. Few I suspect probably believing, as did Mishima, that the SDF weren’t the real thing. I actually hope most of them aren’t as I’d hate to have too many with any formal weapons or tactics training in case things did ever head south. Then again, under such circumstances they might serve as
I find it so interesting that Tokyo pushed so hard for an Olympics that the country can neither afford nor needs, while at the same time seeming to drift towards a far less open and xenophobic Japan. Hardly the same thing, but in some ways it’s like the shift, at least at the national government level, from the openness and experimentation of the Taishou years to what came in the 1930s. One could easily see these nationalist morph into an SA type outfit if the country makes a full turn to the right – not a short step as the central government has always been center-right at best.
Lee says
Yeah, in many ways the Olympics don’t make sense. And even more so as Ishihara, the biggest xenophobe of all was the one that originally set the Olympic ball rolling when he was governor…
Ed says
I love this series of yours. This year with more colours but the same dull faces.
Lee says
Thanks!
I really wanted to do something different this year. No point in keep repeating myself. My aim was to get much closer, but this was about the best I could do without having them walk into me, which wouldn’t have been good at all.
Ed says
Gotta be careful with them. I think you are close enough. BTW, the snow one is my favorite pic in this series.
Lee says
Yes, that’s very true.
Likewise. The snow was something special. Really made those photos. Cos it was so miserable, there were almost no other people about too. One of those days when everything came together, despite being completely unexpectedly, and utterly unplanned,
Hans ter Horst says
It doesn’t help to have a sympathiser of these guys leading the country set on revising history and messing up the economy. 🙂
Luckily most Japanese people I meet truly are disgusted by these guys and I’m glad that people like Murakami Haruki speak out against them as opposition isn’t voiced in the newspapers or on the TV.
Having said that, some of these old, long time ago disregarded Nihonjinron theories that the right-wing ‘scholars’ came up to ‘prove’ Japan’s superiority seem to have caught on a little bit and people every now and then tell them to me in all earnest. (Japanese being the most difficult language to learn, the Japanese race being a unique isolate, Japanese people being unique in using both sides of their brain (or neither like the ones in the photo above), etc. …) 🙂
Lee says
No, it really doesn’t. Very worrying where Abe could lead Japan. His right-wing agenda, power over the media and the secrecy bill are a frightening mix. And with no opposition it’s difficult to see him being stopped…
Yeah, I’ve heard all those things myself. Not sure how much people actually believe what they are saying, but by simply saying it would suggest they think there’s at least some truth in it.
Hans ter Horst says
It usually comes up in the same discussions where Japanese people inquire about your blood type and then start to make assumptions about your personality based on that. Long long time ago dismissed as codswallop, still employers in Japan will refuse you a job if they don’t like your AB bloodtype. 🙂
Lee says
I know. How on earth that nonsense still persists as an even slightly legitimate idea always baffles me. If asked mine, I always say I don’t know. That is generally met with such incredulousness it’s worth it for both the reaction and the avoidance of any ridiculous assumption about my personality.
Bernadette Marchetti says
I’m always amazed at how you can capture such poignant expressions. And so quickly! The man’s face shows such reverence and emotion that I do have a touch of sympathy for him. Then I remember what–or who-he is revering. It seems that as the world becomes more connected, there are countries that grow more xenophobic.
Murakami Haruki the author, right? I read one of his books several years ago. My ex-husband was a HUGE fan of his. I thought that Japan really didn’t care much for him because of his overly-Western views.
Lee says
Yes, time moves forward but ideas seem to be going in the other direction…
I think I’m right in saying there was a bit of backlash at one time against Murakami in Japan, but that’s not the case now. His books are extremely popular and their releases are big affairs with people queuing up to buy them.
Dave Powell says
Great shots. I like last year’s as well but I think the snow ones are my favorite. I always mean to go there but I always forget. Perhaps I’ll get there one year.
Lee says
Cheers. Yes, the snow was incredibly atmospheric. Horrible to be out in, but well worth the effort.
This year there were more people — as in day trippers — than I have ever seen. Not for any other reason that it was such a lovely day I think, but whether it is right or not, it certainly made it a lot more difficult to shoot. Still, it always makes for an interesting spectacle. Well worth seeing that’s for sure.