With world politics shifting increasingly to the right, this group of nationalists visiting Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on National Foundation Day now don’t seem quite so out of step as they did in 2011, when I first photographed them. Images that back then benefited enormously from some unexpected snow, meaning that unless the weather is especially inclement again, I’ll very likely never top them. But photographic challenges aside, it’s a scene I feel compelled to return to year after year. Each time being a chance to take in the unusual spectacle, and pick out some familiar faces. A familiarity that fortunately hasn’t bred contempt; instead, it simply increases my fascination, as well as giving rise to more than a few questions.
Questions such as: Who are these men and women?
What drives them to such extremes?
Do they genuinely believe in the revisionist view of World War II they adhere to?
And perhaps most crucial of all, what do they actually hope to achieve?
Dean says
Great to see you posting pictures like this again. As hateful as I find their ideas, I too am fascinated by them. If you ever get answers to your questions, please post them here.
Thanks as always for sharing.
Lee says
You are very welcome.
They are definitely great subjects to photograph. Fascinating to speculate on the answers too, but at the moment speculation is unfortunately all I have. But definitely, if I ever get any answers I’ll be sure to add an update.
Denton says
Great framing on the first shot. Cool shot, not cool subjects! 😉
I’m curious. Did any of them say anything to you for taking pictures?
Lee says
Thank you. Had the first one planned in my head beforehand, so doubly glad it came out ok.
Nah, nothing. To be honest it would have been perfectly understandable if they had, as obviously I was very close. But no, they were really good about it. Fair play to them.
cdilla says
The far right has historically been represented by violent thugs in the UK. Occasionally they have tried to stuff themselves into suits, but it’s never really worked. Presenting views in a parade is just free speech and fine by me. There are lots of beliefs that puzzle me. For example the guy dragging a life size (and weight) crucifixion cross over Shibuya Crossing at the weekend (I just happened to be watching a live webcam), the poor guys knees kept giving way, but he did get off the road just in time before dropping the thing.
This year you have gotten some great colour contrast and fine detail in the shots. Some of the guys have really well defined marks around their necks – from tight shirt collars I imagine.
Lee says
This is a really quite sombre affair, but on other occasions the behaviour from such groups can be very different. So in some respects not all that different from back in the UK.
Wow. Seeing that anywhere, let alone Shibuya crossing, would be a real treat. Perhaps time to spend a little more time in that part of the city!
Thanks. The weather wasn’t great, but the light was consistent, so fairly happy with overall results. And good call on the neck marks. Hadn’t even noticed that, but yeah, very well defined. On a good few of them too.
cdilla says
I’ve had that Shibya cam running on one of my screens since I found it. From a distance it looks just like a window. A favourite moment was when one tardy cyclist thought he’d run the red light. He got less than a third of the way across. Man, did he get swamped. Taxis seem to allow themselves to be flagged down part way across there at night and consequently also get caught in the river of people for a few minutes. Fascinating. Really helps my productivity – not.
Lee says
I bet. Just the flow of people is fascinating enough, but add in some of the inevitable surprises, and I’m amazed you get any work done at all!
john says
If you want a decent number of pockets then your options are limited!
Where’s the little lady this year? :O(
Splendid pics b.t.w.
Lee says
Almost like the nationalist version of the photographer’s vest. Ideal for such things as … well … clearly nothing going by this lot.
There are usually a few women present, but only noticed one this year. She’s in the last photo. Half way down wearing sunglasses.
Thanks. Tried to get a bit nearer this year. All being well, nearer still in 2018.
boyan_d says
Hm… Maybe 70+ years of US occupation can suggest a hint on Japanese will to express identity? https://goo.gl/auj45W
Carlos says
Now, the funny point, yankees talking about “nationalists” and “war shrines”, stupid double standards, the only country in the world that used the atomic bomb, not even the “evil” Russians or Iran. Stupid USA, yankees go home, worst human beings ever.