In Japan, during the first days of the year it is customary to pay a visit to the local shrine and pray for a good coming of events or even specific matters. Of course the area around Akihabara and it's famous Kanda Shrine is no exception, so these days are exceptionally busy.

During the huge Kanda Festival, visitors can enjoy local foods and the moving of the "Mikoshi", best discribed as portable shrines. This time however is more about actually partaking in the religious ceremony, praying, returning good luck charms or writing your special wish on little wood plates called "Ema". Since the area is so close to Otaku's holy land, the Emas hanging here often feature anime characters or are themed in a way that's a little different than usual, possibly only topped by Washinomiya Shrine and it's Lucky Star fans.
 

A huge line forms as people give their offerings followed by a short prayer

Omikuji are little paper rolls that contain a prediction of your fortune. If one receives an unlucky one it should be tied to a pole and be left at the shrine. The good ones should be kept and tied to the pole a few days later.
 

Also if no cute Miko-san is around selling them, at Kanda you could always get one from this dancing electronic friend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many of this year's Emas seem inspired by the financial crisis. The left one has the Moyashimon characters wishing for a good economy while on the right high sales for the soon to be released Akane-Iro ni Somaru Saka DVD are demanded.

 

One if the deities enshrined at Kanda is Daikoku-sama, the popular kami of marriage

Always a good sign: Food staff eating their own cooking!

 

 

This article has been created in collaboration with
Akiba Keizai Shimbun

Kanda Shrine (Akiba Today)

Uchimizukko with Maids at Kanda Shrine (Akiba Today)

Kanda Shrine Homepage