Meiji Jingu-This month's highlights-

■	Meiji Jingu Autumun Grand Festival October 30 - November 3, 2011 The 159th Anniversary of Emperor Meiji's Birthday

On November 3rd, the birthday of Emperor Meiji, the present Emperor sends an Imperial Messenger with his offerings to Meiji Jingu’s solemn Shinto ceremony. In the course of the celebration, Japanese traditional performing arts such as Bugaku, Ｎoh, Kyogen, and ancient Japanese martial arts will be presented in honour of the deities.

Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand Festival Performance in honor the deities.
11:00, Sun, Oct 30	Bugaku at the main shrine bldg.
12:00, Tue, Nov 1	Noh, Kyogen at the main shrine bldg.
15:45, Tue, Nov 1	Sankyoku at the main shrine bldg.
11:45, Wed, Nov 2	Hogaku, Hobu at the main shrin bldg.
9:00, Thu, Nov 3	Japanese archery competition at the Budojyo.
9:00, Thu, Nov 3	Aikido at the West approach
10:00, Thu, Nov 3	Kobudo at the West approach
11:00, The, Nov 3	Momote-shiki at the Tresure Museum.
13:00, Thu, Nov 3	Yabusame at the West approache.
Tue, Oct 25 - Wed, Nov 23	Kikkaten（chrysanthemum exhibition）at the main approach.

■	U.S. Vice President visited Meiji Jingu and made prayers for the reconstruction from the disaster of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

On August 24, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden made a courtesy visit to Meiji Jingu on the final morning of his tour to Japan to check on the progress of post-disaster reconstruction in regions affected to the Great East Japan Earthquake. Vice President Biden and his family were shown into the shrine by priests. After taking part in a ritual purification ceremony, they bowed deeply in front of the main altar before moving on to the Kaguraden (Hall of Sacred Music and Dance) where they joined in prayers for the rapid reconstruction of the disaster-affected regions and watched shrine maidens performing the Yamato-mai, a traditional kagura dance.

■ Iris Special Feature

Photo: Irises in full bloom.

【Opening Hours】 All throughout the year

Months:	Hours:
Mar. to Oct	9 am to 4:30 pm
Nov. to Feb.	9 am to 4 pm

Contribution for maintenance

500 yen

【Access】
Five-minute walk from
Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote line) or
Meiji-jingumae (harajuku) Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line, Fukutoshin line)

Ten-minute walk from
Yoyogi Station (Toei Oedo line),
Sangubashi Station (Odakyu line), or
Kita-sando Station (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin line)

【The Iris at the Meiji Jingu inner garden】
The irises (Hanashoubu) at the inner garden of Meiji Jingu were planted by order of Emperor Meiji for his wife, Empress Shoken.
At present, 1500 plants of 150 different iris species blossom at the garden. A distinguishing feature of the irises at Meiji Jingu is that they are surrounded by an evergreen forest that makes visitors forget they are in the middle of the metropolis. The elegant and curves of the irises’ fields and the graceful views of the serene thatched roof gazebo are have been much loved by artists.

■ Meiji Jingu Spring Grand Festival

It is the season of the Meiji Jingu Spring Grand Festival. From April 29th to May 3rd,　Meiji Jingu will hold several solemn Shinto ceremonies including one of the largest rituals of the year at Meiji Jingu. These rituals are scheduled for 10 am and 2 pm on May 2nd, and the largest one for 10 am on May 3rd. Members of the Sukeikai, an organization which was established in 1946 for paying respect to the enshrined Kami and for supporting Meiji Jingu, attend those rituals in the inner courtyard of the main shrine buildings. Shrine maidens will perform “Urayasu-no-Mai”, a Kagura(sacred dance) based on a poem which Emperor Showa, the last Emperor before the current Emperor, wrote praying for world-wide peace and wishing that nothing disturb the world’s tranquility :

To all deities
Of heaven and earth I pray
For a tranquil world
Without disturbances
-Like the sea in the morning.

On the occasion of this festival, various Japanese traditional performing arts are performed in honour of the deities on the stage in front of the main shrine building. Everyone is welcome to observe these performances such as Bugaku(ancient imperial court music), Hogaku and Hobu(classical Japanese dance), Noh and Kyogen(classical Japanese theatre), Sankyoku(traditional Japanese music), and Satsuma biwa(Japanese lute).

April 29
Friday
11:00～　Bugaku [ancient imperial court music]

May 2
Monday
10:00～　Solemn Shinto ceremony
11:45～　Noh , Kyogen [classical Japanese dance]

14:00～　Solemn Shinto ceremony
15:45～　Sankyoku [traditional Japanese music]

May 3
Tuesday
10:00～　Grand solemn Shinto ceremony
12:00～　Hogaku , Hobu [classical Japanese theatre]

14:30～　Satsuma biwa [Japanese lute]

■ Donations for disaster relief in New Zealand

Our thoughts are with the victims of the earthquake in New Zealand.
We grieve for the dead, and we pray for the full recovery of those injured and for a quick reconstruction of the damages.
Extending the hearts of the enshrined deities, Meiji Jingu is currently collecting donations for relief aid.
Your donations will be forwarded to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

■ Kigensai

February 11th is the day of the foundation of Japan, and ceremonies called "Kigensai" are held at the sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace and at Shinto shrines throughout the country.

The government made the day of Emperor Jinmu's enthronement as the first Emperor of Japan at Kashihara-no-miya in Unebi (the present Kashihara Jingu in Nara prefecture represents the remains of that place), which is recorded in the "Nihon Shoki" ("The Chronicles of Japan"), the starting point of time-reckoning and established it in 1873 as Japan's National Foundation Day.

Together with New Year and "Tencho-setsu" (the Emperor's birthday), "Kigen-setsu" was made one of the "three grand national holidays" (from 1927 "four grand national holidays" including Emperor Meiji's birthday "Meiji-setsu"), and memorial ceremonies were held at primary schools and all sorts of organizations nationwide.

In 1948 after the war (Japan was under occupation) it was extinct by the enactment of the "Act on National Holidays", but since the restoration of independence in 1952 voices demanding the revival of "Kigen-setsu" condensed into a national movement, and in 1966 the day was added to the national holidays as "National Foundation Day".

Let us celebrate the country's birthday today.

■Kinensai

On February 17th, ceremonies called "Kinensai" are held at the sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace and at Shinto shrines throughout the country. Kinensai is a ceremony of praying for a bountiful harvest, for the prosperity of the Imperial Family, and for the stability of the nation. This ceremony forms a set with Niinamesai (the Harvest Festival), a ceremony of giving thanks for the harvest on November 23rd.

According to the episode "Tensonkorin" in ancient Japanese mythology, when Ninigi-no-Mikoto (the grandson of the sun deity Amaterasu Omikami) descended from Takama-no-Hara (the realm where Amaterasu Omikami resides) to Takachiho (in present-day Kyushu), he received from Amaterasu Omikami the Three Sacred Treasures (the Imperial regalia of Japan) and an ear of rice. It can be said that the rice cultivation, which goes back to mythological times, is the base of Japan's nation building and of Japan's culture. In spring, the Emperor sows rice seeds on the rice fields at the Imperial Palace, in early summer he plants the rice seedlings, and in autumn he harvests the rice ears, and offers the harvested rice at the Kannamesai (Ise Jingu's largest harvest festival held on October 17th) and at the Niinamesai at the Imperial Palace. These facts make us aware of the importance of rice cultivation and ceremonies.
Given this background, today's ceremony provides an opportunity to remind us of the value of rice cultivation and agriculture as well as of the characteristics of Japan, which have continued since mythological times.

The Kagura (sacred dance) "Urayasu-no-Mai", which is performed during the ceremony, was composed and choreographed in 1940, commemorating the 2600th anniversary of the foundation of Japan. It is based on a poem which Emperor Showa, the last Emperor before the current Emperor, wrote praying for world-wide peace and wishing that nothing disturb the world's tranquility:

To all deities
Of heaven and earth I pray
For a tranquil world
Without disturbances
－Like the sea in the morning.

■ HAPPY NEW YEAR!!


Zodiac bell	Zodiac votive tablet

Kodama	Sowa-mamori

Many Japanese go on a “first shrine/ temple visit of the year” during the New Year season, which is called Hatsumode. During the first three days of 2010, Meiji Jingu received approximately 3.2 million visitors. Meiji Jingu holds the record for the largest number of New Year visitors for the last 31 years in Japan. Would you like to come for a New Year shrine visit and taste some Japanese culture?

If you come to the amulet offices, you will now find not only the usual emblems and lucky charms, but also New Year items, such as bells (Eto-suzu) and votive tablets　(Eto-ema) featuring this year’s zodiac animal (the rabbit).　

Kodama (“tree spirit” or “echo”) is a wooden bell for good fortune made from sacred trees which have fulfilled their task of guarding the shrine precincts.

Sowa-mamori is a two-in-one amulet for harmony in marriage, the name of which was inspired by the phrase “as husbands and wives be harmonious” from the Imperial Rescript on Education issued by Emperor Meiji. With reference to the “husband and wife camphor trees” in front of the main shrine building, this amulet has been impregnated with the aroma of the shrine’s camphor trees.

■Treasures of the Imperial Court - From Meiji to Taisho

Commemorating 90 years since the opening of the Homotsuden (Treasure Museum), the Treasure Museum Annex holds the Special Exhibition, titled "Treasures of the Imperial Court - From Meiji to Taisho". Court clothing, dolls, and Meiji artwork with a special focus on famous articles will be selected from amongst items related to the deities as well as dedicated to Meiji Jingu, and put on display together. We hope you enjoy this exhibition.

The shrine is scheduled to be open to visitors at the following times
(actual opening and closing times may vary):
Day open from open until comments

Dec. 31	6:40-24:00 (midnight)
Jan. 1	0:00-19:00
Jan. 2	6:40-18:30
Jan. 3	6:40-18:00
Jan.4	6:40-17:30

"Treasures of the Imperial Court - From Meiji to Taisho"

Period:	Dec. 11 (Saturday) to Mar. 6(Sunday)
Hours:	9 am to 4:30 pm (last admission 4 pm)
Venue:	Meiji Jingu, Bunkakan, Homotsutenjishitsu ("Treasure Museaum Annex")
Admission:	500 yen,
The ticket includes admission to the Treasure Museum (Homotsuden).

■ The Emperor,Empress and Crown Prince pay their respects.

On November 8th Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko and Crown Prince Naruhito visited Meiji Jingu to pay their respects upon the occasion of the 90th Anniversary of the Enshrinement of Meiji Jingu. Arriving at the South Gate, they were met by Vice Chief Priest Miyazaki who led their escort procession to the Main Shrine. Chief Priest Nakajima thereafter officiated as Their Majesties offered sacred tamagushi branches and prayers. Following their shrine visit, the Emperor and Empress requested a visit to an Imperial Garden associated with Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The trees they viewed were beginning to show fall colors and the Emperor took some time during their approximately 30-minute stroll to question a gardener about the iris garden.
Since their marriage in 1959, this was the first occasion in 51 years for the Emperor and Empress to visit the Imperial Garden together.

■ The 90th Anniversary of the Enshrinement of Meiji Jingu was magnificent.

Festivals were held to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Enshrinement of Meiji Jingu from October 31st through November 3rd. On the November 1st enshrinement memorial day, the Azuma Asobiritual dance, which is performed only in Imperial memorial ceremonies, was conducted at the Main Shrine.

AKARIUM illuminations, Aomori Nebuta lantern festival processions, Noh and Kyogen plays, a Susano Jinja portable shrine procession with tenno taiko drumming, and processions of people with lanterns led by the neighborhood town council were among the commemorative events presented on the shrine precincts during the festival period. The grounds were packed with people celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Enshrinement of Meiji Jingu.

The 1st of November marks the 90th anniversary of the enshrinement of Meiji Jingu.
In order to celebrate this anniversary, several Shinto ceremonies are held and Japanese traditional arts are performed in honour of the deities during Autumn Grand Festival at Meiji Jingu. The celebration this fall includes special ‘Akarium’ evening illuminations.
Meiji Jingu is the Shinto shrine dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji was born on the 3rd of November 1852. After the demise of Emperor Meiji in 1912 and of Empress Shoken in 1914, people wished to commemorate their virtues (such as noble character, kindness, devotion, great leadership and achievements) and to venerate them forever.
The people’s strong wish led to the construction of this shrine, and their souls were enshrined on November 1st in 1920. This forested shrine precincts have matured with loving human care as its numerous trees were donated from around the nation and planted by volunteer youth.

AKARIUM
This fall, ‘Akarium’ will artistically light up Meiji Jingu.
Throughout the three-day period the public is welcome to visit Meiji Jingu and enjoy the fantastic special evening illuminations, traditional performing arts such as Noh and Kyogen plays, and Akita Nebuta lantern festival processions presented by neighboring and local town councils. B-class gourmet from around the nation will be available in the Bunkakan courtyard.

Meiji Jingu 90th Enshrinement Celebration
Special ‘Akarium’ Evening Shrine Illuminations
Saturday, October 30-Monday, November 1, 2010
Hours: 17:30 to 20:00
Locations: Shrine precincts and the Omotesando area
※ Shrine admission on the 30th and 31st is restricted to the Harajuku entrance; on the 1st all shrine entrances will be open.

Performances in honour of the deities:

10/30	11:00am	“Bugaku”(ancient imperial court dance)
10/31	11:45am 18:30pm	“Hogaku, Houbu”(classical music anddance)
11/1	12:45pm 18:30pm	“Noh, Kyogen”(classical Japanese theatre)
11/2	12:00pm	“Sankyoku”(traditional Japanese music)
11/3	1:00pm	“Yabusame”(horsebackarchery)
11/3	9:00am	“Aikido Enbu”(martialarts performance)
11/3	9:00am	“Zenkoku Kyudo Taikai”(All Japan archery tournament)
11/3	10:00am	“KobudoTaikai”(old-style martial arts and firearms)
11/3	11:00am	“Momote-shiki”(archery ceremony)
10/30, 11/1, 11/3	12:00pm	“SukeikaiKyodogeino”(folk entertainment)
11/1	2:30pm	“Isobushi”(music: performed bythe Meiji Jingu Yasukuni Jinja Kensenko) (association supporting the foodofferings at Meiji Jingu and Yasukuni Jinja)
10/30, 11/1, 11/3	12:00pm	“SukeikaiKyodogeino”(folk entertainment)
11/2～ 11/3		“39th Tokyo Agriculture Festival”
10/2～11/28		special exhibition “Taikan Yokoyama” at HomotsuTenjishitu(Tresure Museum Annex)
10/25～11/23		“Chrysanthemum exhibition”

■The photo book with DVD "Meiji Jingu-forest of prayers" has been published. (2010/10/01up)

To commemorate the 90th anniversary of Meiji Jingu's enshrinement, the photo book with DVD "Meiji Jingu-forest of prayers" has been published.
Meiji Jingu, located in the center of Tokyo, is a man-made forest of about 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan and planted by around 110,000 youth volunteers. This photo book contains various pictures of four seasons in the precinct, as well as pictures of Shinto rituals and Kagura dances at Meiji Jingu.
We hope you feel a part of Japan and Japanese culture through this book with English translation.

Title: Meiji Jingu-forest of prayers
Photographs: Fujita Shoichi
Editor: Meiji Jingu
Published by: Heibonsha
Price: 1,714 yen (without tax)
ＩＳＢＮ978-4-582-27779-1

■The Chairman of the African Union Commission visits Meiji Jingu (2010/09/01up)

H.E. Mr. Jean Ping signing his name.

Group photograph after the ceremony.

On the 2nd of August, the Chairman of the Commission of the African Union, H.E. Mr. Jean Ping, visited Meiji Jingu. Led by Shinto priests he underwent purification, proceeded to Naihaiden (the inner hall), presented a sacred branch in front of the innermost sanctuary and paid respect. During the subsequent ceremony Kigansai, he wished for friendship between Japan and Africa as well as for prosperity of the various African countries, and he enjoyed two sacred dances: Yamato-Mai (performed by shrine maidens) and Ninjo-Mai (performed by a priest).

■Meiji-Tenno-sai (Emperor Meiji Memorial Ceremony)(2010/07/01up)

	Poem by Emperor Meiji: The spacious sky Spans serene and clear So blue above, Oh, that our soul could grow And become so open!
(Photo: Meiji-Jingu-Yamato-Mai)

This year marks the 90th anniversary of Meiji Jingu and the 98th anniversary of Emperor Meiji’s demise, who passed away after 45 years of reign, during which he accomplished the Meiji Restoration and laid the foundations of modern Japan. At Meiji Jingu, every year on his memorial day, July 30, the ceremony “Meiji-Tenno-sai” (Emperor Meiji Memorial Ceremony) is held.
Emperor Meiji composed about 100,000 poems during his lifetime. Meiji-Jingu-Yamato-Mai, a sacred dance based on one of those poems, is performed by a priest during the ceremony.

N.B.: On July 30th, Homotsuden (the Treasure Museum) and the exhibition at Homotsu-Tenjishitsu (the "Treasure Museum Annex" at Bunkakan) are free of charge.
From July 10 to September 26, the special exhibition "The Grand Making of the Sacred Grove-The Foundation of Meiji Jingu-" is showing to celebrate Meiji Jingu's 90th enshrinement anniversary.

■ The irises at Gyoen are approaching their peak (2010/06/02up)


(Photo: View of the irises in full bloom in June2009)


(Photos: Close-ups of two different kinds of irises,June 2009)

Every year, the irises at Meiji Jingu Gyoen (Meiji Jingu Gardens) are at thepeak of their bloom between the beginning and the middle of June.
The irises were planted in the 26thyear of the Meiji era (1893). Emperor Meiji had them planted for his wifeEmpress Shoken. Currently there are about 1,500 irisplants of 150 kinds of irises, including precious ones handed down from theMeiji era. Their multicoloured blossoms are trying to out-bloom each other. Youare welcome to enjoy the irises amidst the fresh green of early summer leaves.

N. B.: Please note that in order to see “Kiyomasa’sWell”, which is located at the bottom of the garden, a Seiriken (a time-stamped card) of the day is necessary prior toobtaining a ticket to Gyoen. (These Seiriken are handed out at the northentrance of Gyoen during openinghours.)

■Special Exhibition(2010/05/01up)

Celebrating Meiji Jingu’s 90th Enshrinement Anniversary
The Foundation of Meiji Jingu
――The Grand Making of the Sacred Grove――

(Photo: The exhibition’s leaflet)

Period:
April 24 to June 6 [Part 1]
July 10 to September 26 [Part 2]

Hours:
Opendaily 9 am to 4:30 pm
（last admission 4 pm）

Venue:
Treasure Museum Annex（Bunkakan）

Admission fees:
500 yen（300 yen）
Students 200 yen（100 yen）,junior high school students and under admitted free.
（discounted fees for groups of 20 or more in brackets）

N.B.:
The ticket is also valid for Homotsuden （Treasure Museum）.

■89th Distribution of the Empress Shoken Fund (2010/04/15up)

The Empress Shoken Fund was established in 1912 by Empress Shoken, who is Emperor Meiji’s consort and whose soul is enshrined at Meiji Jingu, to support Red Cross and Red Crescent activities worldwide. The fund is administered by the Joint Commission of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The annual allocation of grants traditionally takes place on 11 April, the anniversary of the Empress’ death. This year, a total of 111,665 CHF is distributed to projects related to disaster preparedness, health care and youth training in Georgia (Europe), Sierra Leone (Africa), and Tuvalu (Oceania).
Meiji Jingu has been supporting the fund through financial contributions and by setting up donation boxes on the shrine grounds.

■Meiji Jingu Spring Grand Festival

Meiji Jingu is the Shinto shrine dedicate to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. After the demise of Emperor Meiji in 1912 and of Empress Shoken in 1914, people wished to commemorate their virtues（noble character, kindness, devotion, great leadership, great achievements etc. ）and to venerate them forever.
In order to celebrate the divine virtues of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken together with the friends of Meiji Jingu, several solemn Shinto ceremonies（2nd of May 10 am and 2pm , 3rd of May 10 am ）are held at the main shrine building and various Japanese traditional performing arts are performd in honour of the deities on the stage in front of the main shrine building.

April 29
Thursday
11:00～Bugaku [ancient imperial court music]

May 2
Sunday
10:00～Solemn Shinto ceremony
11:45～Hogaku, Hobu [classical Japanese dance]
14:00～Solemn Shinto ceremony
15:45～Sankyoku[traditional Japanese music]

May 3
Monday
10:00～Grand solemn Shinto ceremony
12:00～Noh, Kyogen[classical Japanese theatre]
14:30～Satsuma biwa[Japanese lute]

■Help for Haiti, Sumo champion’s wedding, and visitors from Iran (2010/03/15up)

■Relief aid donations for Haiti were handed over
Meiji Jingu had made an appeal for donations for Haiti earth quake victims and installed donation boxes in front of the main shrine building from mid-January for one month, resulting in 5,533,616 yen received from shrine visitors.

An additional contribution from the "Empress Shoken welfare work donation" by the Meiji Jingu Sukeikai ("Worshippers' Association") made it the round sum of 6,000,000 yen, presented to the Japanese Red Cross Society on February 19. The photograph shows Ms. Satoko Kawasaki, president of the Meiji Jingu Sukeikai womens' section "Wakabakai", handing over the donation to Mr. Tadateru Konoe, president of the Japanese Red Cross Society.

■Magnificent wedding ceremony of Sumo grand champion Hakuho
The Yokozuna (Sumo grand champion) Hakuho had his wedding ceremony at Meiji Jingu on February 21st.

On that day, shrine visitors, surprised to see the Yokozuna's wedding procession (photo), shouted: "Congratulations, Hakuho!"
A solemn wedding ceremony was held at Gehaiden (outer shrine hall), where his promotion ceremony to Yokozuna had been conducted.

■The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mr. Ali Larijani visited Meiji Jingu

On February 24, Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and members of the parliament, who had come to Japan following an invitation by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, visited Meiji Jingu.
At Meiji Jingu, after rinsing hands and mouth and undergoing purification, they proceeded to Naihaiden (inner shrine hall), presented a sacred branch and lowered their heads once (lower photo).

When listening to senior priest Yoshihide Majima's explanation about Meiji Jingu's history and the enshrined spirits (upper photo), they particularly showed interest in the Ema (wooden tablets with wishes), which they saw for the first time at Meiji Jingu.

■Visit by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia

On February 16th, Andrus Ansip, Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia (photo: centre), visited Meiji Jingu.
While listening to Vice Chief Priest Rev. Miyazaki's explanations about the history of Meiji Jingu, he proceeded towards the main shrine buildings. After a purification ceremony, he entered into Naihaiden (the inner shrine hall). There, he presented a Tamagushi (sacred branch) and paid respect.
After that, he moved on to Kaguraden (hall of Shinto music and dance), and enjoyed the Kagura (sacred dance) "Yamato-Mai" ("Dance of Yamato") performed by four shrine maidens and the Bugaku (Imperial court dance) "Nasori" (blue dragon dance) performed by a priest.

■Kinensai


(Photo: Procession of priests at Kinensai)	(Photo: Sacred dance Urayasu-no-Mai)

On February 17th, ceremonies called "Kinensai" were held at the sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace and at Shinto shrines throughout the country. Kinensai is a ceremony of praying for a bountiful harvest, for the prosperity of the Imperial Family, and for the stability of the nation. At Meiji Jingu, the chief priest's recital of these prayers was followed by the Kagura (sacred dance) "Urayasu-no-Mai" performed by shrine maidens.
Kinensai forms a set with Niinamesai (the Harvest Festival), a ceremony of giving thanks for the harvest on November 23rd.

■German Foreign Minister's visit and help for Haiti (2010/2/1up)

■German Foreign Minister's visit to Meiji Jingu
On January 14, Dr. Guido Westerwelle, the Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, visited Meiji Jingu.
Guided by Vice Chief Priest Rev. Miyazaki right from his arrival at the eastern Torii (shrine archway), he underwent purification at Naoraiden (a hall for rites) and advanced to Naihaiden (the inner shrine hall).
At Naihaiden, Dr. Westerwelle experienced the ancient Japanese culture of offering a sacred branch and paying respect.

■Help for Haiti earthquake victims
Meiji Jingu installed donation boxes on the shrine precincts for relief aid for Haiti earthquake victims.
As you know, a severe earthquake hit Haiti on January 12, resulting in a large number of victims. Meiji Jingu and the Meiji Jingu Sukeikai ("Worshippers' Association") appreciate the divine virtues, and are making an appeal for the contribution toward Haiti earthquake victims. The collection boxes are located in front of Gehaiden (the outer shrine hall), inside Kaguraden (the hall of Shinto music and dance), at Shiseikan (the martial arts hall), at Homotsuden (the treasure museum), at Bunkakan (the culture house), and at Gyoen (the gardens).
They will be removed on February 16, and your donations and your sincere heart will be forwarded via the Japanese Red Cross Society to finance disaster relief for the earthquake victims in Haiti.