南流山--> (武蔵野線) -->南船橋--> (京葉線) -->東京--> ( 中央本線) -->飯田橋Every time a new Prime Minister gets into office in Japan (and this being a pretty frequent event these days), her North Asia neighbors wait to see if he is going to pay a visit at the Yasukuni Jinja.
In July for about half a week, the Jinja has a Mitama Matsuri running in its compound. From the entrance, it looks like any other summer matsuri in Japan, with the food stalls and odori dancing.
But as you venture into the main compound, you will see the main attraction of the matsuri. Lanterns, lots of them, lining the path to the Jinja temple. You would then realize that these are offerings to those who lost their lives in the 2nd World War.
The bright yellow lanterns were displayed with others with the drawing or calligraphy of celebrities and atists. While there are drawings and writing on the theme of peace, there were obviously some "rightist" amongst them. There were many young boys and gals enjoying their night out, probably without knowing the significance of the place. But as they near the main Jinja, the guards will turn away anyone who were still holding food in their hands. If they wish to go any further, they were politely, but firmly, requested to dispose of the food first.
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