Robert Gilhooly's Images

jake; adelstein; yakuza; reporter; yomiuri; crime; Tokyo vice; book; japan; Tokyo

JAPAN YAKUZA

jake; adelstein; yakuza; reporter; yomiuri; crime; Tokyo vice; book; japan; Tokyo

JAPAN YAKUZA

jake; adelstein; yakuza; reporter; yomiuri; crime; Tokyo vice; book; japan; Tokyo

JAPAN YAKUZA

jake; adelstein; yakuza; reporter; yomiuri; crime; Tokyo vice; book; japan; Tokyo

JAKE ADELSTEIN, TOKYO VICE, AUTHOR

jake; adelstein; yakuza; reporter; yomiuri; crime; Tokyo vice; book; japan; Tokyo

JAPAN YAKUZA

jake; adelstein; yakuza; reporter; yomiuri; crime; Tokyo vice; book; japan; Tokyo

JAPAN YAKUZA

jake; adelstein; yakuza; reporter; yomiuri; crime; Tokyo vice; book; japan; Tokyo

JAKE ADELSTEIN, AUTHOR, TOKYO VICE

jake; adelstein; yakuza; reporter; yomiuri; crime; Tokyo vice; book; japan; Tokyo

JAKE ADELSTEIN, AUTHOR, TOKYO VICE

jake; adelstein; yakuza; reporter; yomiuri; crime; Tokyo vice; book; japan; Tokyo

JAPAN JAKE ADELSTEIN TOKYO VICE

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

Participants carry a portable shrine on which is mounted a 2.5 meter pink phallus in the grounds of Wakamya Hachimangu shrine during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s. Kanamara means metal phallus, so named after a story dating back hundreds of years in which a local blacksmith made an iron phallus to protect a girl who was thought to be cursed. Today, the festival also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

Participants carry a portable shrine on which is mounted a 2.5 meter pink phallus in the grounds of Wakamya Hachimangu shrine during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s. Today, the festival also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

Participants carry a portable shrine on which is mounted a 2.5 meter pink phallus in the grounds of Wakamya Hachimangu shrine during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s. Today, the festival also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

Participants carry a portable shrine on which is mounted a 2.5 meter pink phallus in the grounds of Wakamya Hachimangu shrine during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s. Today, the festival also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

Phallus-shaped candles are on sale at a store in the grounds of Wakamiya Hachimangu shrine during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s and also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

American Chris Rackland and Japanese friend Yoichi Segawa enjoy some fun during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s and also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

A woman looks at phalluses carved from wood on sale at a store during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s and also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

Four women have their photo taken eating hand-made phallus-shaped lollipops during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s and also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs. Around 4,000 of the lollipops were sold.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

A women buys hand-made phallus-shaped lollipops during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s and also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs. Around 4,000 of the lollipops were sold.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

Participants carry a portable shrine on which is mounted a black phallus made from stone in the grounds of Wakamya Hachimangu shrine during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s and also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

Participants carry a portable shrine on which is mounted a 2.5 meter pink phallus and a a smaller black one made from stone in the grounds of Wakamya Hachimangu shrine during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s and also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

Women mount a giant-size wooden pahllus in the grounds of Wakamya Hachimangu shrine during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s and also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

Participants carry a portable shrine on which is mounted a 2.5 meter pink phallus in the grounds of Wakamya Hachimangu shrine during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s. Kanamara means metal phallus, so named after a story dating back hundreds of years in which a local blacksmith made an iron phallus to protect a girl who was thought to be cursed. Today, the festival also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

A women eats a hand-made phallus-shaped lollipop during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s and also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs. Around 4,000 of the lollipops were sold.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

A man dressed in a Buddhist monks robes performs a fertility dance during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s and also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

Participants carry a portable shrine on which is mounted a 2.5 meter pink phallus in the grounds of Wakamya Hachimangu shrine during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s. Kanamara means metal phallus, so named after a story dating back hundreds of years in which a local blacksmith made an iron phallus to protect a girl who was thought to be cursed. Today, the festival also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs.

japan; Kawasaki; <removed>; phallus; festival; prostitutes; transvestites; AIDS; STDs

Participants carry a portable shrine on which is mounted a 2.5 meter pink phallus in the grounds of Wakamya Hachimangu shrine during the Kanamara festival in Kawasaki, Japan on 04 April 2010. The fertility festival, often just called the "penis festival," has been held since the early 1600s. Kanamara means metal phallus, so named after a story dating back hundreds of years in which a local blacksmith made an iron phallus to protect a girl who was thought to be cursed. Today, the festival also aims to promote awareness of AIDS and STDs.

japan; fire-walking; ritual; Buddhism; fire; priest; purification; rite; festival

A mountain priest from the Shingo sect of Buddhism douses with buckets of water the flames of a fire used in a purification ritual at Mt. Takao near Tokyo, Japan on March 14 2010.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; Shinto; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

Followers of the Shingon sect of Buddhism walk through the smoke of a fire carrying a portable shrine loaded with "bontenfuto" envelopes and arrows used to ward off evil and ill fortune during a purification ritual in which participants walk barefoot across burning embers in Takao, west of Tokyo, Japan on 14 March 2010.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; Shinto; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion; Buddhism; fire-walking

A priest of the Shingon sect of Buddhism strikes together flint and bone during a purification ritual in which participants walk barefoot across burning embers to cleanse away past evils in Takao, west of Tokyo, Japan.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; Shinto; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion; Buddhism; fire-walking

A priest of the Shingon sect of Buddhism strikes together flint and bone during a purification ritual in which participants walk barefoot across burning embers to cleanse away past evils in Takao, west of Tokyo, Japan.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; Shinto; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

Mountain priest from Shingon sect of Buddhism blow conch shells during a purification ritual in which participants walk barefoot across burning embers in Takao, west of Tokyo, Japan on 14 March 2010.

japan; fire-walking; ritual; Buddhism; fire; priest; purification; rite; festival

A man walks over the smoldering embers of a fire during a Buddhist purification ritual at Mt. Takao near Tokyo, Japan on March 14 2010.

japan; fire-walking; ritual; Buddhism; fire; priest; purification; rite; festival: Japan; Tokyo

A man walks over the smoldering embers of a fire during a Buddhist purification ritual at Mt. Takao near Tokyo, Japan on March 14 2010.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion; Japan; Tokyo

A priest from the Shingo sect of Buddhism collects wooden prayer tablets known as "nadegi" to throw on the flames of a fire used in a purification ritual at Mt. Takao near Tokyo, Japan on March 14 2010.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

A priest from the Shingo sect of Buddhism collects wooden prayer tablets known as "nadegi" to throw on the flames of a fire used in a purification ritual at Mt. Takao near Tokyo, Japan on March 1

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

Novice Buddist priests from the Shingon sect receive "nadegi" wooden prayer tablets, on which followers seeking purification have written their names, before throwing them on the flames of a bonfire during a purification ritual in which participants walk barefoot across burning embers in Takao, west of Tokyo, Japan on 14 March 2010.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

Helpers use straw hats to shield a priest who is dousing the flames of a bonfire with water from the heat during a purification ritual in which participants walk barefoot across burning embers in Takao, west of Tokyo, Japan on 14 March 2010.

japan; fire-walking; ritual; Buddhism; fire; priest; purification; rite; festival; Japan; Tokyo

A mountain priest from the Shingo sect of Buddhism douses with buckets of water the flames of a fire used in a purification ritual at Mt. Takao near Tokyo, Japan on March 14 2010.

japan; fire-walking; ritual; Buddhism; fire; priest; purification; rite; festival; Tokyo

A mountain priest from the Shingo sect of Buddhism douses with buckets of water the flames of a fire used in a purification ritual at Mt. Takao near Tokyo, Japan on March 14 2010.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; Shinto; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

A priest from the Shingon sect of Buddhism throws out good luck cards during a purification ritual in which participants walk barefoot across burning embers in Takao, west of Tokyo, Japan on 14 March 2010.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

A mountain priest from the Shingo sect of Buddhism douses with buckets of water the flames of a fire used in a purification ritual during which the priests walk over the burning embers at Mt. Takao near Tokyo, Japan on March 14 2010.

japan; fire-walking; ritual; Buddhism; fire; priest; purification; rite; festival

A mountain priest from the Shingo sect of Buddhism douses with buckets of water the flames of a fire used in a purification ritual during which the priests walk over the burning embers at Mt. Takao near Tokyo, Japan on March 14 2010.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; Shinto; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

A novice priest from the Shingon sect of Buddhism lows on a conch shell during a purification ritual in which participants walk barefoot across burning embers in Takao, west of Tokyo, Japan on 14 March 2010.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

Thousands of wooden prayer tablets known as "nadegi" are piled up prior to being throw on the flames of a fire used in a purification ritual at Mt. Takao near Tokyo, Japan on March 14 2010. Written on the nadegi are names of sect followers seeking purification.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; Shinto; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

Followers of the Shingon sect of Buddhism chant sacred sutras during a purification ritual in which participants walk barefoot across burning embers in Takao, west of Tokyo, Japan on 14 March 2010.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; Shinto; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

Followers of the Shingon sect of Buddhism chant sacred sutras during a purification ritual in which participants walk barefoot across burning embers in Takao, west of Tokyo, Japan on 14 March 2010.

fire walk; walking; hot; embers; ritual; japan; Shinto; yamabushi; mountain; ascetic; monks; priests; religion

A head priest from Shingon sect of Buddhism arrives for a purification ritual in which participants walk barefoot across burning embers in Takao, west of Tokyo, Japan on 14 March 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; petals; spring; pink

Cherry trees are in full bloom in central Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo

Sightseers take photos of cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; spring; pink; boat; moat; water

Sightseers aboard rowing boats enjoy the cherry trees that line the moat of a public park area in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; spring; pink; boat; moat

Sightseers aboard rowing boats enjoy the cherry trees that line the moat of a public park area in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; spring; pink; mobile phone; photo

Sightseers take photos of cherry blossoms at Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; spring; fun; pink; party; drink

People party under the cherry blossom at Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; spring; pink; party; drink; eat; food; beer

People party under the cherry blossom at Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; pink; spring; eating; outside; under; trees

A woman and her son enjoy a bite to eat under the cherry blossoms at Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; spring; pink; party; entertainers; guitar; samurai; bunny girl; singing; clapping; fun

Entertainers sing for those partying under the cherry blossom at Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; spring; pink; camera; photo; mobile phone

Sightseers take photos of cherry blossoms at Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; spring; boat; pink; moat; water; branches

Sightseers aboard rowing boats enjoy the cherry trees that line the moat of a public park area in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; spring; pink; security; officers; officials; keep left; signs; loudspeaker

Security officials use loudspeakers and signs to keep sightseers along the left side at one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing sites in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; spring; pink; teddy bear; photo; taking; mobile phone

A woman uses her mobile phone to take a photo of her Teddy bear under a cherry blossom tree in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; spring; pink; boat; moat; couple

Sightseers aboard rowing boats enjoy the cherry trees that line the moat of a public park area in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; spring; Tokyo; pink; boats; rowing; pleasure; leisure; moat

Sightseers aboard rowing boats enjoy the cherry trees that line the moat of a public park area in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March, 2010.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Ueno; Tokyo; pink; spring; flowers

Sightseers walk among the hundreds of cherry trees that line the walkways of Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan on 30 March, 2010. Snow and unusually cold weather has delayed the blossoming of Japanese cherry trees throughout the country.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo; businessman; Chinese characters; red; orange; pink; spring

People walk under the cherry trees blossoming by the outer wall of Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, Japan on 30 March, 2010. Snow and unusually cold weather has delayed the blossoming of Japanese cherry trees throughout the country.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo

People walk under the cherry trees blossoming by the outer wall of Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, Japan on 30 March, 2010. Snow and unusually cold weather has delayed the blossoming of Japanese cherry trees throughout the country.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo

Sightseers aboard rowing boats enjoy the cherry trees that line the moat of Chidorigafuji in Tokyo, Japan on 30 March, 2010. Snow and unusually cold weather has delayed the blossoming of Japanese cherry trees throughout the country.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo

Sightseers aboard rowing boats enjoy the cherry trees that line the moat of Chidorigafuji in Tokyo, Japan on 30 March, 2010. Snow and unusually cold weather has delayed the blossoming of Japanese cherry trees throughout the country.

japan; cherry; blossom; trees; Tokyo

Sightseers aboard rowing boats enjoy the cherry trees that line the moat of Chidorigafuji in Tokyo, Japan on 30 March, 2010. Snow and unusually cold weather has delayed the blossoming of Japanese cherry trees throughout the country.

Japan; Taiji; dolphin; slaughter; the cove; film; whale; fisheries; fishing: meat

Slices of dolphin meat are displayed on a plate. Photographer: Robert Gilhooly

japan; Taiji; dolphin; slaughter; the cove; film; whale; fisheries; fishing

A woman looks at the dolphin meat and other sashimi products at a supermarket in Taiji, Japan on 10 September 2009. A small 250 gram block of short fin dolphin meat sells for around 1,200 yen (US$13.20/GBP8.00) at the supermarket. Photographer: Robert Gilhooly

japan; Taiji; dolphin; slaughter; the cove; film; whale; fisheries; fishing

A fisherman tows away what appear to be pilot whales, which are members of the dolphin family, that have been tied by rope to the front of his boat at a cove in Taiji, Japan on 10 September 2009. Photographer: Robert Gilhooly

japan; Taiji; dolphin; slaughter; the cove; film; whale; fisheries; fishing

Fisheries workers guide what appear to be pilot whales, which are members of the dolphin family, at a cove in Taiji, Japan on 10 September 2009. Under increasing international pressure following the release of a film documenting the capture and slaughter of dolphins in the town the fishermen now conceal their work from the public by fixing tarpaulin across the so-called "killer cove."

japan; Taiji; dolphin; slaughter; the cove; film; whale; fisheries; fishing

Fisheries workers guide what appear to be pilot whales, which are members of the dolphin family, at a cove in Taiji, Japan on 10 September 2009. Under increasing international pressure following the release of a film documenting the capture and slaughter of dolphins in the town the fishermen now conceal their work from the public by fixing tarpaulin across the so-called "killer cove."

japan; Tokyo; sunflower; flowers; yellow; mother; child; toddler; field

A mother and child take a walk through a field of sunflowers in Kanagawa, west of Tokyo, Japan on Aug. 21 2009.

japan; Tokyo; Yasukuni; anniversary; war; end; world war II; 2; uniform; Aso; taro; prime minister; election; flowers; LDP; Liberal Democratic Party of Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso lays flowers at the National Cemetery in Tokyo on Saturday 15 Aug. 2009. Aug. 15 marks the 64th anniversary of Japan's surrender in the Pacific War. Aso's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which has been in power for most of Japan's post-war history, face a stern test in up-coming general elections on August 30.

japan; Tokyo; Yasukuni; anniversary; war; end; world war II; 2; uniform; cap; teeth; medals; stars; veteran; war

Yoshiaki Kamagata, an Imperial military officer during World War II, is dressed in World War II garb prior to marching to offer prayer at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Saturday 15 Aug. 2009. Aug. 15 marked the 64th anniversary of Japan's surrender in the Pacific War and the shrine is seen by nationalists and reformists alike to be the soul of Japan, not least because of the 14 Class A war criminals who are interred there. Wartime prime minister Hideki Tojo is among those enshrined inside the controversial shrine.

japan; Tokyo; Yasukuni; anniversary; war; end; world war II; 2; uniform; cemetery; prayer; Tojo; Hideki; grave; religion; o-bon; All Saints

A couple walks past the grave of Japan's war-time prime minister, Hideki Tojo, at a cemetery in Tokyo on Saturday 15 Aug. 2009. Aug. 15 marked the 64th anniversary of Japan's surrender in the Pacific War. Tojo, who gave the command to bomb Pearl Habour, was convicted as a Class A war criminal.

Uighur; free; freedom; independence; petition; Tokyo; Japan; Yasukuni; anniversary; war; end; world war II; 2; China

People sign a petition demanding freedom for Uyghur people in Tokyo on Saturday 15 Aug. 2009. Aug. 15 marked the 64th anniversary of Japan's surrender in the Pacific War.

japan; Tokyo; Yasukuni; anniversary; war; end; world war II; 2; uniform; cemetery; prayer; Tojo; Hideki; o-bon; all saints; funerary; vaults

A man says a prayer by a grave containing his family's ashes at a cemetery in Tokyo on Saturday 15 Aug. 2009. Aug. 15 marked the 64th anniversary of Japan's surrender in the Pacific War and is a popular time for Japanese to visit the graves of their families during a holiday called "O-bon".

japan; Tokyo; Yasukuni; shrine; anniversary; war; end; world war II; 2; uniform; tattoo; death; number; 4; nationalism; prayer

An ultra right-winger with the number 4 and DEATH tatooed in his head waits to offer prayer at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Saturday 15 Aug. 2009. Aug. 15 marks the 64th anniversary of Japan's surrender in the Pacific War.

japan; Tokyo; Yasukuni; anniversary; war; end; world war II; 2; uniform; cemetery; prayer

A woman prays by a tree at the National Cemetery in Tokyo on Saturday 15 Aug. 2009. Convicted war criminals are among those interred at the cemetery. Aug. 15 marked the 64th anniversary of Japan's surrender in the Pacific War.

japan; Tokyo; Yasukuni; anniversary; war; end; world war II; 2; uniform; navy; naval; flag; rising sun; nationalism; patriotism

Men dressed in World War II naval garb march to offer prayer at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Saturday 15 Aug. 2009. Aug. 15 marks the 64th anniversary of Japan's surrender in the Pacific War and the shrine is seen by nationalists and reformists alike to be the soul of Japan, not least because of the 14 Class A war criminals who are interred there. Wartime prime minister Hideki Tojo is among those enshrined inside the controversial shrine.

japan; Tokyo; Yasukuni; shrine; religion; nationalism; anniversary; war; end; world war II; 2; uniform; military

Men dressed in military garb march to offer prayer at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Saturday 15 Aug. 2009. Wartime prime minister Hideki Tojo is enshrined inside the controversial shrine together with 13 other convicted war criminals. Aug. 15 marked the 64th anniversary of Japan's surrender in the Pacific War.

japan; Tokyo; discarded; shoes; polished

A businessman walks past a pair of highly polished shoes that have been discarded on the pavement in Tokyo.

japan; Tokyo; detention; center; death; penalty; death row; Ayase; prison

Tokyo Detention Center, where death row prisoners are hanged at reportedly very little notice.

japan; architect; Kurokawa; Kisho; art; center; national; gallery; fine; glass; modern; Architecture

The new national art center, designed by Kisho Kurokawa, in Tokyo, Japan.

japan; architect; Kurokawa; Kisho; art; center; national; gallery; fine; glass; modern; Architecture

The new national art center, designed by Kisho Kurokawa, in Tokyo, Japan.

japan; architect; Kurokawa; Kisho; art; center; national; gallery; fine; glass; modern; Architecture

The new national art center, designed by Kisho Kurokawa, in Tokyo, Japan.

japan; Nintendo; DS; brain training; game; console; DR.; Ryuta; Kawashima; DR. Kawashima

Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, creator of Nintendo DS brain training game.

japan; Tokyo; bay; all Nippon airlines; ANA; flight; plane; cranes; trade; finance; economy; blue sky; sky; industry

An All Nippon Airlines aircraft flies over cargo loading cranes in as it comes into land at Haneda Airport in Tokyo Bay, Tokyo, Japan

japan; Tokyo; travel; tourism; statue of liberty; copy; culture

Chinese tourists look at the copy of the Statue of Liberty in Tokyo, Japan.

japan; Tokyo; sushi; sashimi; raw; fish; tuna; maguro; cuisine; Japanese

Slithers of sashimi, raw fish, are arranged for a photo in Tokyo, Japan.

japan; Tokyo; sushi; sashimi; raw; fish; tuna; maguro; cuisine; Japanese

Slithers of sashimi, raw fish, are arranged for a photo in Tokyo, Japan.

japan; pachinko; game; Tokyo

Customers play "pachinko," a game sometimes referred to as Japanese pinball, at a pachinko parlor in Tokyo, Japan. Pachinko is a game unique to Japan, in which players first purchase small metal balls that are then inserted into the machine with the purpose of attempting to win more balls. Accumulated balls can be exchanged for prizes such as vouchers, tokens (usually small pieces of gold in plastic cases) or a range of goods. There is also a method of exchanging the winnings for cash, though this is illegal. Despite the fact that gambling is officially illegal in Japan, there are some 13,000 pachinko halls, known as "pachinko parlors", scattered throughout the country, mostly located near to main line railway stations, but some are found in the middle of the countryside, their neon signs lighting up the paddy fields near which they stand. Some of the larger ones host several hundred playing machines. There are also hundreds of pachinko magazines guiding readers the key to winning the game, and there are even those people who make a living from the game. Known as "pachi-puro," or professional pachinko players, the best of these players can earn around 600,000 yen (US$6,000) per month from the game.

japan; nuclear; power; plant; Hamaoka; Shizuoka; close; disaster; beach

Photo shows view from the beach of Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Shizuoka, Japan.

japan; Aomori; Christ; grave; Jesus; tomb; descendant; buried; wine; sake; Christ's wine

A limited edition wine made from pure rice and named "Christ's Village" is sold at a store in Shingo Village, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Some residents of Shingo say that Jesus spent 12 years in Japan and is buried in the village. Among them is Sajiro Sawaguchi, who is in his 80s, who claims to be a descendant of Christ and whose family owns the land containing Christ's grave.

Japan; Aomori; Christ; grave; Jesus; tomb; descendant; buried; wine; sake; christ's wine

A limited edition wine made from pure rice and named "Christ's Village" is sold at a store in Shingo Village, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Some residents of Shingo say that Jesus spent 12 years in Japan and is buried in the village. Among them is Sajiro Sawaguchi, who is in his 80s, who claims to be a descendant of Christ and whose family owns the land containing Christ's grave.

japan; Aomori; Christ; grave; Jesus; tomb; descendant; buried; wine; sake; Christ's wine; star of David; crest; family

The family crest, which is said to resemble the Star of David, is nailed to an exterior wall of the home of Sanjiro Sawaguchi, who claims to be a direct descendent of Jesus Christ, in Shingo Village, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Some residents of Shingo say that Jesus spent 12 years in Japan and is buried in the village. Among them is Sajiro Sawaguchi, who is in his 80s, who claims to be a descendant of Christ and whose family owns the land containing Christ's grave.

japan; Aomori; Christ; grave; Jesus; tomb; descendant; buried

A man buys a drink from a vending machine located beneath a road sign pointing visitors toward Christ's tomb in Shingo Village, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Some residents of Shingo say that Jesus spent 12 years in Japan and is buried in the village. Among them is Sajiro Sawaguchi, who is in his 80s, who claims to be a descendant of Christ and whose family owns the land containing Christ's grave.