Two businessmen pray at the Shimogamo Shinto shrine
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In this Japanese cemetery, jizō stand atop roots, rocks and other surfaces
Professor Jeanette Ludwig talks with Shingon monk inside cemetery
Rays of the setting sun illuminate these jizō figures atop tombs
These men and women must trek up many steps to reach the monastery
Note the fruits and vegetables: Shintoism stresses closeness to nature
To celebrate for and with children, special Japanese festivals are traditionally held in March
Deer range freely in this Nara cemetery. They are protected by law.
Kimonos were widely worn especially by Japanese women until the late 19th century. They are now used largely on ceremonial occasions. The sign reads, ‘Final liquidation. 2001 collection of long-sleeved kimono.’ Note that in Japanese, ‘kimono’ is both singular and plural.
Japanese take great aesthetic pleasure in cherry blossoms. These trees are blooming outside the Imperial Palace in Kyoto, Japan, where the ruling Shoguns resided.
Dental cleanliness is stressed in Japan – but models for ads need not have received orthodontic treatment.
Japanese vending machines dispense both hot and cold drinks.
To assist potential patrons, Japanese restaurants display plastic models of their specialties.
This pachinko arcade attracts Japanese of all walks of life. The metal balls produce loud noise. Avid players can win prizes.
Professor Jeannette Ludwig and deer near Nara Todai-ji Buddha
The Tōdai-ji Buddha is the world’s largest bronze Buddha, standing 52’ high. It was cast in eight units, and dedicated in 752CE.
The Todai-ji Buddha is housed inside this building
Japanese school children prepare to see historically significant Tōdai-ji Buddha
Entrances to Buddhist temples are traditionally guarded by protective spirits, embodied in statues
Railroad station, Kyoto, Japan with "bullet train"
The "Shinkansen" rail system, literally "new trunk line," provides high-speed travel between major Japanese cities.
Miyajima island, near Hiroshima, is noted for the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Professor Jeannette Ludwig feeds deer there.
Popular with tourists of all countries, the torii stands in the Itsukushima shrine. The shrine was established by the Empress Suiko, who ruled 503-628CE. Professors Claude Welch and Jeannette Ludwig stand here.
Miyajima’s five-tiered pagoda dominates the grounds of this noted Shinto shrine
People of all faiths come to this temple to contemplate.
This lovely arched bridge stands inside the Miyajima shrine
Major parts of the Miyajima shrine are built out from shore. See the famous torii at center.
View of the Miyajima shrine pagoda from the ocean side
Professor Jeannette Ludwig stands near Miyajima shrine, an area with numerous tame deer
Numerous tame deer live near the Miyajima shrine, where they can easily get food from tourists.
Snow blankets the ground inside the Koyasan Monastery, atop a mountain in south central Japan. This is headquarters of the Kōyasan Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism.
Funicular trains pass each other on the ascent of Mount Koya. The Shingon Buddhist monastery at its top was founded in 1819
Professor Jeannette Ludwig ascends Mount Koya via funicular on a chilly March afternoon
Hiroshima was nearly totally rebuilt after its 1945 destruction. Electricity and TV cables mark city street.
Originally constructed in the 1590’s and rebuilt in 1965, the Hiroshima Castle now serves as a historical museum
Hiroshima’s Peace Park honors those who died in the 1945 nuclear bombing. Students on an excursion relax after taking notes
Folded paper cranes, flowers and the statue symbolize the need for peace – a central theme in Hiroshima’s Peace Park
Destroyed Chamber of Commerce, Hiroshima
This toddler understands nothing about the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima August 6, 1945. This concrete remnant of the Chamber of Commerce was the only structure left partially standing in a wide area
The shell of the former Chamber of Commerce stands at the heart of Hiroshima’s Peace Park
Given its island nature and limited space for raising livestock, Japanese get most of their protein from fish or soy-based foods. This woman is selling oysters
Following the end of a service, Shingon monks process while returning to contemplation
Special slippers are worn in Japanese bathrooms, for hygienic reasons. This is a squat toilet.
Although in a Japanese monastery, this sink is prepared for major guests
Monks and visitors leave food offerings to feed the "hungry ghosts" and their slippers outside the worship area.
Snow covers the ground outside the monastery's main hall, where prayers are conducted
Professors Jeannette Ludwig and Claude Welch at Shingon monastery, by protective figure
Professor Jeannette Ludwig joins Swiss convert to Shingon Buddhism in an early morning chant
Buddhism has attracted followers from all around the world. These monks have joined the major Shingon monastery
Before entering the hondo (worship area), Buddhist monks remove their sandals.
Given the size of the Mount Koya monastery, many racks must be provided for shoes outside the worship area
Worship at this monastery, the major one of the Shingon sect of Zen Buddhism, is focused in this hall
Professors Claude Welch and Jeannette Ludwig pour water on funerary plaques to honor the dead at a noted Buddhist cemetery
Statues of Kōbō-Daishi and other major Buddhist figures
A figure of Kōbō-Daishi, the founder of the Shingon (“True Word”) school of Buddhism, stands at the center. He lived 774–835CE.
These adjacent Jizō show how Japan melds its traditions with external influences.
16th-century Portuguese walls, Melaka, Malaysia
Stone honoring Dutch East Indies Company, Melaka, Malaysia
Sign reads: "Vereenigde Oost Indie Companie. (United East India Co) The Servant and Pioneer of Holland in the East. Founded-1602 Dissolved-1795"
Tourists in bicycle jitneys, Penang, Malaysia
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (January/February).
An old sign for a major Singapore street in Little India
Sign reads: "Keep your dog leashed - Pick up your dog's poo - Be considerate"
Poster celebrating the ‘Year of the Goat’
Poster reads: "Uncage 2015: Wishing You a Courageous New Year"
Ad reads: "Hallelujah! Charismatic cooking"
Campbell’s on the other side of the world
Campbell's soup cans showing Szechuan Hot & Sour; Borsch; and Mushroom, Scallops & Seafood
Poster announcing the Sri Nrisimha Caturdasi festival taking place May 3, 2015
"Nrisimha-chaturdasi is the divine appearance day of Nrisimhadeva, Lord Krishna’s man-lion incarnation, who removes all obstacles on the path of devotional service out of His great compassion." - from http://www.mayapur.com/festivals/nrisimha-chaturdasi/
Garlands on display, Little India, Singapore
Sign reads: "Please do not sit in the shop idealing"
Monks by Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Entrance to Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Afternoon thunderstorm looms over Singapore
Sign reads: "Chinatown Food Street" in English
Monks at prayer, Buddhist temple, Singapore
Offering bowls, Buddhist temple, Singapore
Worshippers at Buddhist temple, Singapore
Old-style housing development, Singapore
Honoring the Founding Father of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew