Indicative of the contradictions in the ancient yet thoroughly modern culture of Japan: a kawaii (cute) pink car sits beneath a cherry tree on the grounds of a temple in Nippori.

Everything kawaii is valued by a certain segment of the Japanese population – usually young Japanese schools girls and female office workers.  But this is not an indication that they are thoroughly modern – many also embrace the ancient ways of Japan and are often seen dressed in Yukata or Kimono for special occasions and ceremonies like the annual pilgrimage to admire the cherry blossoms each spring.

You can identify those that practice the religion of “kawaii” by the mass of cute anime characters that dangle, click and chime as they madly text their way through most activities.  Some even drive their kawaii eco-friendly pink cars to the local temple or shrine for a bit of old fashioned prayer.

But, wait, could this be the priests car strategically parked under the cherry tree?  Nothing can be ruled out in Japan…

This is an entry into the July Japan Blog Matsuri hosted by Gakuranman.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection

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