Yasakuni Shrine is probably the most controversial "site" here in Tokyo. It is an old Shinto Shrine (originally built in the 1800s) (Shinto is essentially emperor worship). This particular shrine is to honor those Japanese killed in war. It is controversial for two main reasons. First, like America, Japan has the separation of church and state, and so a state-maintained shrine (dedicated to emperor worship) is a hotly debated topic. The other reason that it is so controversial is that it honors all the Japanese war dead, even those condemned as war criminals after World War II. Many younger Japanese will not visit the shrine and many Americans do not.
It was really interesting to see, though. And, one of the most interesting things to me was the literature in English. A pamphlet at the shrine said that the original tori (gateway) was replaced because it was damaged in World War II (presumably from the fire bombings). But, the placard in front of the tori said that the original had been dismantled in World War II for the war effort (the Japanese needed the metal). Just goes to show how history can be manipulated for different purposes and told different ways.
The shrine itself is incredibly impressive and beautiful.:
The Tori at Yasakuni Jinja (Shrine)
It was a little awkward being an American at the shrine. It was sort of like being Japanese and going to see Pearl Harbor.
We did not go all the way up to the shrine. We did not really know protocol and maybe would not have followed it anyway given the nature of this particular shrine. Basically what you do is wash yourself--all Shinto shrines have a water area with dippers. You use your right hand I think to pour water over the left out of which you splash your face then switch to wash the other hand. You go up to the shrine and bow and clap two or three times.
No comments:
Post a Comment