The Yasukuni Shrine is famous for its nationalistic war museum, war criminals enshrined as gods, and association with extreme right-wing militant groups. The good thing about all the controversy is that when they have a festival, it’s not usually so crowded, and you actually get to see something. This photo is of the Kusajishi-Shiki Kyudo tournament, in which archers shoot at a target shaped like a deer. If you’re not too bothered by the shrine’s politics, it’s quite a good festival and very photogenic. It’s held on Sports and Health Day, the second Monday in October. The Yasukuni Shrine’s homepage is here.
