pondering over kumade (asakusa, japan)

Posted by timothy sullivan (Tokyo, Japan) on 2 January 2009 in Lifestyle & Culture.

As it nears midnight at Asakusa Kannon Temple (also known as Sensoji Temple), the cold air turns downright frigid, and the sky above is clear with faint stars glowing. And though it is cold, it is filled with a curiously intoxicating amalgamation of incense and food--and energetic anticipation. Crowds swarm around the temple grounds--many flit from food stall to food stall; groups of others look over the booths selling various souvenirs or good luck charms; and about a thousand people queue for the first prayers of the New Year.
At one of the booths, this man has a look at kumade--literally, "bear hands". Kumade are essentially things for "grabbing" good luck--drawing it near and letting the buyer retain it.

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