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782 views
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Schedule of events and procession route. In odd-numbered years (like 2007), the procession starts from nearby Kumano-sha Shrine. In even-numbered years, the procession starts from Shinmei-sha Shrine.782 views
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One of Kyoto's Big Three Festivals, the Kyoto Jidai Matsuri is a procession of over 2,000 people dressed in wardrobe reflecting Kyoto's historical periods from 794 to 1868 during which Kyoto was Japan's capital. Held annually on Oct. 22.782 views
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Water spider (mizugumo): How the ninja did it. This drawing from the Koka Ninja House shows how it was done. The ninja sat on the board inside the wooden ring and waded through the water while partially submerged. His wooden clogs had small flippers.781 views
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Swimsuit pin-up. Another picture that makes you laugh. Apparently she felt sexy in that suit and knew how to pose like a pin-up swimsuit model.781 views
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Honda W.O.W. Concept780 viewsHonda had nice women posing, but I was hoping they would bring out the Asimo robots to introduce the cars.
I smiled at her, but she never noticed me...
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Sexy model at CP+ photo show in Yokohama780 views
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Inside Kanayama Shrine779 views
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Good location778 views
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Peace Statue description777 views
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Musashimaru and his flowers777 viewsThis was his last appearance at this retirement ceremony.
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776 views
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Kintai-kyo Bridge, Yamaguchi776 views
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Geisha and Maiko in Kyoto776 viewsThis is in Pontocho, one of Kyoto's geisha districts. The woman on the left is a geisha (called "geiko" in Kyoto), the woman in the middle is a helper, and the woman on the right is a maiko or apprentice geisha. They are on their way to see the Kamogawa Odori dance performed by the Pontocho geisha in May.
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Sake flows freely.776 views
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Edo Geisha774 views江戸芸者
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A large banner adorns JR Matsudo Station (Joban Line) to celebrate Matsudo native and astronaut Yamazaki Naoko's return to Earth from her Space Shuttle mission in April 2010.772 views
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People could borrow and wear kimono for free, courtesy of the shrine.771 viewsThe portable shrine procession is actually called a "costume parade." You can wear a mask or whatever and also wear a kimono (considered to be a costume) and join in the parade.
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770 views
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Court lady called myobu. 命婦769 views
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Site of Lord Kira's Estate or Honjo Matsuzaka-cho Park. Lord Kira was the villain in the famous Chushingura vendetta. 吉良邸跡・本所松坂町公園768 views
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Being next to the Pacific Ocean, Chiba has quite a few festivals held on the beach. The Kazusa Junisha Matsuri is one of the larger ones. Sept. 13, 2009 (Sun.) was the main festival day when they went in the water at the beach. 768 views
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1. Kagurazakari 神楽ざかり767 views
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767 views
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Ninjas in the kitchen. We could not go up into the attic as we can in Koka's ninja house in Shiga.767 views
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On Dec. 14, 1702, Asano's 47 masterless retainers avenged their master's death by attacking and beheading Kira at his residence in Ryogoku.765 views義士の討ち入り
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1624: Saruwaka Sanza, Edo Kabuki. Kabuki was started in the early Edo Period in 1624. Later, Edo's three licensed kabuki theaters named the Nakamura-za, Ichimura-za, and Morita-za were relocated to Asakusa in an area called Saruwaka.765 views"Sanza" means three theaters. 猿若三座 江戸歌舞伎
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Kanamara boat mikoshi765 views
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Bamboo sticks concealing a sword.765 views
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Musashimaru throws setsubun beans at Narita-san763 views
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Oiran Dochu Procession. The two little girls are called kamuro.762 views
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Inside the Iga-ryu Ninja House762 views
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Inside the Iga-ryu Ninja House.761 views
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Takeinadane-no-Mikoto760 views
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Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, Shiga Pref.758 views
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Weeping cherry tree, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Tokyo. Called "Shidare-sakura" in Japanese meaning cherry tree with drooping branches.758 views
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Peace memorial from China757 viewsThe park also has peace monuments from various countries.
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Memorial at hypocenter757 viewsErected in July 1995 for the 50th anniversary.
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Hula and cherry blossoms755 views
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Konishiki also sings. (His company arranged the entertainment.)755 views
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Whoa, almost fell into the water!755 views
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"Robocop" Takamisakari gets ready754 viewsThe top-division Makunouchi wrestlers went through their matches quickly.
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Asakusa Samba Carnival754 views
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Roof ridge emblem753 views
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"Nanohanaya" (Rape blossoms) 菜の花や753 views
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These dance photos were taken in April 2002. Note that taking pictures and videos of the dance are no longer allowed.753 views
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There she goes.753 views
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Keep in mind that this is in the middle of winter.751 views
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9:40 am: Inside the Imperial Palace. This is called the Kyudentotei. It is a large plaza in front of the palace.751 views
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Then there was this group of sexy Yamagata hanagasa dancers. Holy smoke, look at that cleavage, something you never see with a yukata.751 views
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Shinsengumi disbanded when the shogunate collapsed and Emperor Meiji became the head of state. The Shinsegumi wore a distinct costume with a light blue haori. 新撰組750 views
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The Kanamara boat mikoshi is the first to leave.750 views
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Closing curtain749 views
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Peace Statue749 viewsSculptor was Seibo Kitamura.
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9:43 am: Almost front and center749 views
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Edo Geisha749 views江戸芸者
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1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria)749 views
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Handmade male/female lollipops for 600 yen each748 views
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Line behind747 views
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Even a rock band played...746 viewsThey played '70s rock.
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The Japan Grand Prix International Orchid Festival 2010 was held during Feb. 13-21, 2010 at Tokyo Dome. I attended this show for the first time on Feb. 20, 2010. Regular admission was 2,000 yen.745 views
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Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum entrance744 views
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Part 1 - Edo Scenes (江戸風情): 1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria) 藤むらさき744 viewsDancers: 小奴、千佳、由良子、舞子
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Shrine maiden on horseback called Munanori Onna. 騎女744 views
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YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 8, 2008) A Japanese child holds up his copy of the manga "CVN 73" during the initial distribution of the comic book outside Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka.743 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (June 8, 2008) A Japanese child holds up his copy of the manga "CVN 73" during the initial distribution of the comic book outside Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The manga follows Jack Ohara, a fictitious Japanese-American stationed aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), as he experiences life on the carrier and arrives for the first time in Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (Released)
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743 views
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742 views
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Oiran Dochu Procession. This picture was taken next to the Sensoji Temple behind which the parade starts. Before, one oiran courtesan rode in a rickshaw. 花の吉原おいらん道中740 views花の吉原おいらん道中
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Entering Tagata Shrine, dedicated to Tamahime-no-Mikoto (daughter of a local feudal lord) and Mitoshi-no-Kami (deity of harvests).739 views
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Flipper-like clogs to walk through swamps739 views
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Okinawan kimono called the bingata, perhaps Okinawa's most famous kimono. The design is made by applying dyes through a stencil.736 viewsIt was originally worn by Okinawa's royal family members. It is now the costume of a slow-moving Okinawan dance called "Yotsudake."
Model: Maki Uyeunten
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Real ninja shuriken throwing star knives on display. Made of steel, they come in many different shapes.736 views
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Iron claws734 views
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Musashimaru gets his setsubun beans at Narita-san.734 views
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A woman waves an American flag to greet a family member assigned to the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as it pulls into its new operating base Fleet Activities Yokosuka.733 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 25 2008) A woman waves an American flag to greet a family member assigned to the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as it pulls into its new operating base Fleet Activities Yokosuka. George Washington's arrival from its former homeport of Norfolk, Va., marks the beginning of its role as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Lawlor/Released)
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Pretty Cure731 viewsKids could have their picture taken with these characters.
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Items for the auction's climax...731 views
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Laughing Geisha with umbrella. As you may have noticed, the umbrella (and fan) was a commonly used prop in tourist photos. Postmarked 1903 from Yokohama. The actual card is more yellowed and almost brown, but I bleached it with Photoshop.731 views
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Grab the rope and step into the foot rings. Of course, ninja never wore a bright red costume. You can rent a ninja suit in various colors for 600 yen.728 views
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727 views
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1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria)726 views
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Geisha and maiko725 viewsNot a good photo, but their names are written in hiragana on the back. They read "Suimatsu" on the left and "Shigezuru" on the right who is a maiko, not geisha. She has more ornaments in her hair than the geisha. Also notice their blackened teeth. If they are in Kyoto, a geisha is called "geiko." In Tokyo, a maiko (apprentice geisha) is called "hangyoku." This is a postcard-size photo and not a postcard.
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The 36th Noge Daidogei Street Performance Festival was held on April 24-25, 2010 in Yokohama, near JR Sakuragicho Station. "Daidogei" means street performance.723 views
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Monument next to Peace Statue721 views
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Japanese belly dancer.721 views
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Costume Player720 viewsCosplay costumes are sometimes based on Japanese kimono and Japanese elements such as the cherry blossom. She's Sakura Shinguuji from a video game called Sakura Wars (Sakura Taisen).
See more photos of cosplayers here.
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720 views
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Female princess reigning over the Sakitama Fire Festival in Gyoda, Saitama718 viewsShe's 15 years old.
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No Photography718 views撮影禁止 - Another sign that reads (top to bottom) "Satsuei kinshi." "Satsuei" means to take photos, and "kinshi" means prohibited. At this Shinto shrine, you are not allowed to photograph inside the main shrine building housing the altar.
Place: A shrine in Kyoto.
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Finale: "Hana Utage" (Flower Banquet) 花うたげ718 views
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Nakayama Emiri, a TV personality, tries to throw shuriken.718 views
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Baby Blessings at Warabi Hadaka Matsuri in Yotsukaido, Chiba. Infants are blessed in front of the shrine.716 views
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Shibuya Station, Hachiko Exit smoking area715 views
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Firemen's Acrobatics714 views大岡越前守と江戸町火消
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The Kanamara boat mikoshi is the first to leave. 神輿の巡幸714 views
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Hula and cherry blossoms714 views
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Just when I finally became able to recognize the different faces of the cheerleaders (at first, they looked the same to me), the season ends, and they will be replaced next season.714 views
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713 views
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Honda Sports 4 Concept712 viewsI like this picture.
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9:31 am: Crossing the famous Nijubashi Bridge. It turned out to be a completely modern bridge, no sqeaking or anything. 二重橋708 views
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Tokyo Jidai Matsuri Banner and Tekomai geisha. From top to bottom, the banner reads, "Tokyo Jidai Matsuri." It marks the official and real start of the festival parade. The first Tokyo Jidai Matsuri was held in 1989. 東京時代祭本旗708 viewsThe first Tokyo Jidai Matsuri was held in 1989. Slight changes in the festival have been made since. Instead of two oiran courtesans, there is only one now. And at the end of the parade, the Asakusa Revue of showgirls used to be the anchor. But they are now gone.
東京時代祭本旗、手古舞
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707 views
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Shack for votive tablets707 views
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Finale: "Hana Utage" (Flower Banquet) 花うたげ707 viewsThis is a maiko.
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Musical clock707 views
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Koka Ninja Museum also has showcases with various ninja costumes, documents, weapons, etc. The museum is kind of rundown though.706 views
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The center is filled up first. The center is in front of the balcony where the Imperial family will appear. Thus, the earlier you go, the better chance of you standing in front of the balcony.705 views
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Miniskirted yukata705 views
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705 views
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704 views
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The Elizabeth mikoshi pumping up and down as it makes it way to town704 views
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Storefront shutter with ninja drawings.704 views
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Edo Geisha 江戸芸者703 views江戸芸者
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The procession is headed by tekomai geisha who sing.702 views
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Winner's trophy701 views
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Closet with a trap door on the floor.701 views
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699 views
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Pacific Ocean (Jan. 13, 2005) - Crash-and-salvage personnel rig a training skeleton of an F-14 Tomcat to "Tilly," a mobile crane used aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).699 viewsPacific Ocean (Jan. 13, 2005) - Crash-and-salvage personnel rig a training skeleton of an F-14 Tomcat to "Tilly," a mobile crane used aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Tilly is used to move damaged aircraft off the flight line during crash and salvage operations. Kitty Hawk's crash-and-salvage team serves as the ship's flight deck firefighting crew. Currently conducting sea trials in the western Pacific Ocean, Kitty Hawk demonstrates power projection and sea control as the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, operating from Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Bo Flannigan (RELEASED)
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Sacred Water (and Mud). On the the left, the water feeding the paddy is enclosed by a sacred rope. This makes the water (and mud) sacred.698 views
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The main Kanamara mikoshi leaves last.698 views
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Amulets, votive tablets, etc., for sale by the shrine.698 views
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Dinner at Isaburo: River fish and mountain vegetables. After dinner, the proprietress and her husband and daughter sang and danced for us. 698 viewsThey demonstrated different traditional musical instruments and had us try playing them. It was great. However, I was told that they don't do that anymore.
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Head of the portable shrine procession697 viewsTengu, shrine priest, and a little girl with an offertory tray. I put in 10 yen, and a shrine maiden came up to me and waved the sacred branch over my head as a blessing. She also gave me an amulet made of paper. I guess I'm fertile now...
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Snip and a hug by Konishiki (Question: Where was Akebono??)697 views
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Main gate695 views
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693 views
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Look, this one even has wrinkles (probably flaccid).693 viewsYes, he actually said that.
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Kameido Tenjin Shrine wisteria and taiko-bashi bridge. Taiko-bashi is an arch bridge.692 views
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Maiko and geisha can often be seen in Gion.692 views
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692 views
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Athens Gold Medalist Keiji Suzuki pyches himself up691 views
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Honda690 viewsThis is what she looks like up close.
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Clarion. The ubiquitous female companions, attendants, or models that we see today started appearing at the show from as early as 1957. They do not only decorate the show, but they also reflect the fashion of the times.690 viewsI approached her and she struck this pose instinctively.
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Fushimi Turret. This view of the turret can only be had when you cross the bridge. I never knew what it really looked like until this day. 伏見櫓690 views
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690 views
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Tengu (nose is not shaped like a phallus)689 views
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Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, Shiga Pref.689 views
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Tsuchiyama-juku in Tsuchiyama-cho was the 49th of the 53 stations of the Tokaido Road, accessible by this "Aikuru" bus from Kibukawa Station (JR Kusatsu Line and Ohmi Railways). It takes 20-30 min, but the bus does not run so often.689 viewsTsuchiyama-juku in Tsuchiyama-cho was the forty-ninth of the fifty-three stations of the Tokaido Road, following Sakanoshita-juku in Mie. It is right after Suzuka Pass on the Suzuka mountains, one of the two most difficult sections of the Tokaido. Travelers thus were happy to see Tsuchiyama. Nicknamed "Ai no Tsuchiyama," the town is working hard to preserve its old buildings. The Tsuchiyama-juku Honjin where Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu and Emperor Meiji lodged is still intact and well maintained. The Tsuchiyama Tokaido Museum is also a major attraction. Special thanks to Uno Yoshinobu who was my guide in Tsuchiyama.
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Shuriken throwing knives.688 views
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687 views
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Popular meeting place at Shibuya Station, south exit.687 views
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Weeping cherry tree, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Tokyo. 枝垂桜687 views
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687 views
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Former yokozuna Taiho, Takanosato, Kotozakura, and Wakanohana watch intently.686 views
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Shibuya Station, Hachiko Exit smoking area cigarette butts685 views
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684 views
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684 views
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683 views
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Sleek racing row boats and traditional yakata picnic boats on upper right682 views
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Statue of Lord Todo Takatora (in Kora, Shiga Prefecture) who became the 11th lord of Tsu Castle (Mie Pref.) in 1608. Behind it is the Takatora Waterfall.682 views
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Beauty with fan. The white space around her was for writing the correspondence. You could not write the message on the same side as the address. The back of the postcard was for the address only.682 viewsSo it has an undivided back, which means there is no dividing line between the address side and correspondence side, Postcards with an undivided back were made between 1900 and March 28, 1907. That's how we know the approximate age of this card even though it has no postmark.
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Other activities.682 views
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The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri and Haruki Danjiri Matsuri festivals are held during the weekend before Respect for Aged Day (national holiday) which is the third Mon. in Sept. The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is held near Nankai Kishiwada Station (pictured).682 views
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Kitchen in Iga-ryu Ninja House.681 views
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People waiting for the procession along the shrine steps. (Not a good place to watch the procession.)680 views
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Female ninja climbing over a wall.680 views
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Hamura Tulip Festival, Tokyo679 views
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Iga-ryu Ninja Museum 679 views
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Karyobinga 迦陵頻伽679 views
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Saruwaka Sanza, Edo Kabuki. "Sanza" means three theaters. 猿若三座 江戸歌舞伎678 views猿若三座 江戸歌舞伎
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Sword demo678 views
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Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as balloons are released from the flight deck. Kitty Hawk is returning to the United States for decommissioning after 10 years of service in Fleet Activities Yokosuka.677 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (May 28, 2008) Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as balloons are released from the flight deck. Kitty Hawk is returning to the United States for decommissioning after 10 years of service in Fleet Activities Yokosuka and will soon be relieved by the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brendan Morgan (Released)
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Maidens who are 36 years old, carry wooden penises for protection during their "unlucky age" (yakudoshi).676 views
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Body inspection up ahead. They frisked the body and also used a metal detector as well. I had to explain that the hump in my pants pocket was a wallet and cell phone. He believed me since I have an honest-looking face.674 views
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Hiroshima Castle tower674 viewsRebuilt after World War II.
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Aoi Festival, Kyoto674 viewsHeld in May, the Aoi (Hollyhock) Festival is one of Kyoto's Big Three festivals. It is a long parade of people dressed in historical costumes from the Heian Period (794-1185) when Kyoto was Japan's capital. Each participant also wears a small branch of hollyhock.
See more photos of this festival here.
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Ninja's secret language. A codified system.674 views
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In the 1960s and 1970s, cars had distinguishing designs. But today, most cars look almost the same.674 views
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Shirakawa-go 白川郷673 views
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673 views
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A bow of thanks672 views
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Near JR Akihabara Station is a new building called Akihabara UDX (Crossfield). On the 4th floor is this Tokyo Anime Center which has anime displays, a theater, and voice acting recording studio. Free admission.671 views
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671 views
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White plum blossoms, the most common variety, and with the sweetest aroma.669 views
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Ceiling of Ninja House. Directly below the thatched roof.669 views
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Minamoto no Yoritomo (Hatakeyama Shigetada). His prayers for victory were answered. 源 頼朝 隅田川陣営 (畠山重忠)668 views
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Commodore Perry Landing Monument. The Perry monument at Kurihama on the Miura Peninsula (Kanagawa Pref.) was built on July 14, 1901. It marks the spot where he first landed in Japan in 1853.668 viewsClick to see what the monument looks like today. I wonder what happened to it during the World War II. Was it destroyed or left untouched? This postcard was made to commemorate the visit of the US Fleet in Oct. 1908.
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668 views
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Sakamoto Ryoma 坂本龍馬668 views
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The giant phallus by itself weighs about 280 kg (620 lbs.). The total weight of both the phallus and portable shrine housing is 400 kg (885 lbs.).667 views
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Ninja sword, very short.667 views
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Following the USS Midway, the USS Independence was the second forward-deployed US aircraft carrier in Japan. It was based in Yokosuka during 1991-98.666 views
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Little ninja at target practice.666 views
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Rikugien Garden's famous weeping cherry tree. In Japanese, it is called "shidare-sakura" meaning drooping cherry.665 views
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665 views
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Canon model664 viewsThis Canon ministage was surrounded by EOS 30D cameras which we could use to shoot these female models on the ministage. They let us print out a picture (A4 size) and take it home.
Compared to the 20D, the 30D has a larger LCD monitor, a higher maximum burst during continuous shooting, and spot metering. The 8 megapixels and sensor size are the same. Canon says that this is the optimum pixel count for the supporting technologies in the camera. And that the image quality does not depend solely on the megapixel count.
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The Word Called Love (恋と云う字)663 views
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Hall entrance and sign663 views
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663 views
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663 views
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663 views
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Himeji Castle tower, a National Treasure. 大天守662 views
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Kanayama Shrine's head priest662 views
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The warrior monk costume is interesting. The collar makes them look bigger and more fearsome. 僧兵行列662 views
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ANA (All Nippon Airways) offers free tours of their maintenance facilities at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. You can see planes in a huge hangar being serviced.662 viewsYou have to make reservations at their website, but everything is in Japanese. They have four 90-min. tours almost daily, but only in Japanese. (Pamphlet has some English.) You should reserve weeks or months in advance because tours get booked up quickly. However, when people cancel their reservations, tours may open up. You have to keep checking. Children must be at least elementary school age. http://www.ana.co.jp/group/kengaku/outline.html
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Phallus in the Kanamara boat mikoshi661 views
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White Heron Dance is one of the highlights of the festival. It is also performed on other occasions in Asakusa. The dance was revived in 1968 in Asakusa to mark the Meiji Period Centennial. It has been performed annually on Nov. 3 ever since. 白鷺の舞660 views
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Back at the shrine660 views
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At the starting point of the procession, the oiran gets ready to wear her high and heavy wooden clogs.660 views
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Panasonic659 viewsAnother nice one.
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Canon model (wireless photo studio demo)659 viewsCanon also had a photo studio to demonstrate a digital photo shoot with the top-of-the-line EOS D-SLR attached with a remote transmitter which transmitted the images to a computer via wireless. We saw the images appear on the TV monitor as it was transmitted to the computer. You can shoot very quickly, but the images don't transfer or appear as fast. I guess they were RAW. Here the model is showing off one of the photos which was taken and printed on the spot.
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659 views
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7. Sawagi さわぎ658 views
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Soft rubber shuriken (toys). Special thanks to Takayuki Mochizuki (ninja descendant) for taking me to this Koka Ninja House.658 views
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Shinobi Shrine is what you first see. Worships all the nameless ninja who died. The ninja never tried to gain fame. They remained unknown. 志能備神社657 views
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Juggling sickles. Having a sickle did not arouse suspicion as it was a common farming tool. But for the ninja, it was an effective weapon.657 views
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656 views
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656 views
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655 views
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Inside the ninja house. A hearth with a escape hatch at the bottom.653 views
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After warming up at the fire, they run back to the mud.652 views
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650 views
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Keikyu Yokosuka-Chuo Station platform, arrival from Tokyo. 京急横須賀中央駅650 views
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649 views
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Men in happi coats which read "Honen Matsuri." Honen literally means "year of abundant harvest."649 views
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Letter of Thanks from Phil648 viewsI really enjoyed my first trip to Finland during September 4-18, 2005 (Sept. 8-17 in Kuusamo) and savored every hour. The people in Kuusamo were all so nice and it was a great pleasure to meet and see the work of many talented and dedicated photographers from Europe.
They have definitely piqued my interest and opened my eyes to the nature and wildlife in northern Europe and the Arctic region. I've also become much more keenly aware of the seriousness of global warming. People in Finland have told me how the climate has become noticeably warmer over the decades. Such countries near the polar regions are the first to feel and see the detrimental effects of global warming. I really hope we can someday reverse the trend.
I want to thank the people who made my sponsored trip and participation in Kuusamo Nature Photo 2005 possible and very enjoyable. After months of email correspondence with the festival staff, it was great to finally meet all of them face to face. It makes a big difference when you know the face and person behind the name.
I know they worked very hard to pull off a very successful nature photo festival. For all the email correspondence, coordination, and making all the arrangements, I especially want to thank the following:
Lassi Rautiainen, Kuusamo Nature Photo Director
Pekka Pirhonen, Kuusamo Culture Department Manager
Seija Väisänen
Hannele Pappila
Town of Kuusamo
Corporate sponsors
I also want to personally thank the following people:
Pirkko Väätäinen, my interpreter who interpreted my three slide shows into Finnish.
Hannu Hautala and wife Irma, for having us over at his home/office. Despite his fame, Hannu is a very down-to-earth and warm-hearted man. It was a great pleasure to meet him, to see his collection of Japanese photo books, and hearing about his two trips to Japan.
Barbara, for videotaping my slide shows with my video camera and taking some great snapshots of me enjoying myself in Kuusamo. And also for providing transportation to/from the airport.
Tõnu Ling, for taking snapshots of me in Kuusamo and being my first friend in Kuusamo (we met on the plane to Kuusamo).
Koillis sanomat newspaper and reporter Tuomo Pirttimaa for interviewing me in an article they published.
Again, I have to thank Lassi for everything. He was the one who took care of all the details even during our nature trips. Lending sleeping bags, carrying hot drinks in heavy thermos bottles, driving us all over the place, answering all our questions, taking pictures of us, and making sure everyone had an enjoyable time. He turned out to be quite humorous. I can highly recommend him to anyone who needs a very knowledgeable local guide to watch or photograph wildlife in Finland.
See his Web site: Articmedia
Finally, I want to thank all the people and photographers I met at Kuusamo for their pleasant company and friendship. Remember that you have a friend in Japan. If you ever come and visit, let me know.
Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this permanent online gallery of Finland photos explained in both English and Japanese.
Philbert Ono
Tokyo, Japan
P.S. In case you don't know, "kiitos" means thank you in Finnish.
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648 views
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Babies to Mud at Warabi Hadaka Matsuri in Yotsukaido, Chiba. The men carry babies to the mud paddy and use a straw strand to paint a dot on the baby. Sometimes they use a finger to do it.647 views
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Close-up of Kintai-kyo Bridge647 views
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646 viewsKids could have their picture taken with these characters.
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Inside the trap door is a hole and tunnel leading to a well in the garden outside. Hence the water.646 views
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Exterior of Great Buddha, Kamakura645 views
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Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena as seen from Ryogoku Station645 views
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Kitchen area in Iga-ryu Ninja House.645 views
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I visited Narusawa on a beauitful autumn day with snow-capped Mt. Fuji and autumn foliage. Narusawa, Yamanashi Prefecture.645 views
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Tools for making medicine (including gunpowder). Many Koka (Koga) ninja were medicine makers. It was a disguise and a means to gather information from people when they went around selling medicines. Koka ninja were always in contact with the local people.642 views
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Honolulu Advertiser newspaper from Hawaii featuring a photo of a ninja from Koka who performed at Ala Moana Shopping Center in 1990.642 views
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Edo Geisha portrayed by Asakusa geisha.641 views江戸芸者
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Statue of Hijikata Toshizo from Shinsengumi. 土方歳三像641 views
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Ninja house attic showing the thatched roof.641 views
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Bye-bye Konica-Minolta640 views
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Mud Fight. After clashing and crashing to the mud, they throw mud at each other.639 views
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View from top of bridge years ago. The shrine has two "taiko-bashi" arch bridges. This is the view from the top of the first one soon after you pass under the torii.639 views
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SAN DIEGO (Aug. 7, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) moves past the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), in background, as Kitty Hawk prepares to moor at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.639 viewsSAN DIEGO (Aug. 7, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) moves past the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), in background, as Kitty Hawk prepares to moor at Naval Air Station North Island upon her return to San Diego Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008. Kitty Hawk will be decommissioned next year in Bremerton, Wash. The 46- year-old carrier is the oldest active-duty warship in the Navy and will be replaced this summer George Washington as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau/Released)
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Maker's inscription on Japanese gun 大砲の日本語表示638 viewsIt says the gun was made by Kure Naval Arsenal in the 31st year of the Meiji Period (1898). Kure was a large naval base in Hiroshima Prefecture.
砲尾の上に「呉海軍造兵廠、明治参拾壱年」 が刻まれていた。
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Lumix638 views
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Tying the rope at the back.638 views
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Shrine maiden and Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa637 views三社大権現祭礼 船渡御
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Musashimaru minus his topknot637 views
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Asakusa Folk Entertainment. Behind the Asakusa Temple, there was a variety of shows, street performers, plays, and other characters. Asakusa has always been Tokyo's entertainment center. 浅草奥山風景636 views
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Yokosuka, Japan (Dec. 12, 2005) – Sailors assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Port Operations, stand by as the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) arrives after completing a regularly scheduled underway period.636 viewsYokosuka, Japan (Dec. 12, 2005) – Sailors assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Port Operations, stand by as the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) arrives after completing a regularly scheduled underway period. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Yesenia Rosas (RELEASED)
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Statue of Lord Takenaka Hanbei 竹中半兵衛重治635 views
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Takamikura Throne where the emperor sat when there was an audience.635 views
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He was grim-faced all throughout634 views
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A flaming star634 views
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Warm Up633 views
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