PHOTO of the DAY (JAPAN)

[AsahinaKimi]

A truck gets filled up with gas at a newly reconstructed gas station in the devastated town of Minamisanriku in Miyagi Prefecture.


Bonus photos

People pull a float in an area wiped out by the March 11 tsunami during the Ugoku Tanabata festival in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Aug. 6, 2011. Three of 12 festival floats survived the tsunami, and two new half-size floats were built for the event for a total of five. This year, volunteers from around the country were among the participants. (Mainichi)


A large Buddha statue at Todaiji, a temple in the city of Nara, has dust swept off of it on Aug. 7, 2011, ahead of the Obon holiday period. Around 150 Buddhist priests and others participated in the yearly cleaning of the statue, which stands around 15 meters tall. Visitors watched from below, using towels to protect their mouths from the flying dust and taking photographs. (Mainichi)



Modern Day Kokeshi Wooden Dolls. Kokeshi dolls traditionally represented young girls and they quickly became popular for their depiction of feminine beauty. In addition their simple charm and association with childhood meant that they were often given as gifts when a child was born, as birthday presents or as symbols of remembrance when a child died. In addition Kokeshi Japanese Wooden Dolls were popular with the children of farmers as it was widely thought that they would promise a good harvest, as it was believed that it would create a positive impression on the gods if children played with the dolls.


mainichi ohatu ~Something different every day

[emilyg]

1. I look for your post daily. Thank you.

[AsahinaKimi]

3. You are welcome!

Glad to bring them to you!

[Chimichurri]

2. The devastation is still so sad but the grace of the Japanese people is most inspiring.

The Kokeshi dolls are precious!

Arigatou gozaimasu :)

[AsahinaKimi]

4. I have some traditional Kokeshi dolls in my collection

These would be a lovely addition.

[AnnieBW]

5. The float pic reminds me of the first Mardi Gras

after Katrina.