Meiji Jingu Shrine, Korean Food Festival @ Yoyogi Park: Jan. 8, 2012

I made a new-year visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine.

A week had already passed in 2012, but the shrine was still crowded. Visitors were walking slowly about a kilometer along a gravel approach from the entrance gate to the main building of the shrine. They were making lines in front of the main building to make their prayers.

I saw many people writing their wished in the wooden tablets. They hang the tablets on the wall. They were also making lines to buy Omamori, or lucky charms.

Foreign tourists looked impressed with the atmosphere of new-pear visits by Japanese people. I talked with an U.S. tourist and he said so.

I also visited Korean Gourmet Festival held in neighboring Yoyogi Park. Tens of Korean restaurants opened their stalls.

The foods included BBQ, noodles, soups, hot plate with sea foods and vegetables. People enjoyed the foods.


Millions of Koreans, including those who keep Korean nationality and who had gained Japanese nationality, are estimated to live in Japan. There are Korean towns in Tokyo (Okubo) and other cities.



Both countries have unsettled problems caused by the colonization history of Korea by pre-war Japanese empire. Some people keep negative feelings against the partner country.


The relations have improved rapidly in the last two decades. The Korean fools are more popular than before in Tokyo. Korean actors and musicians are making a “Korean boom” in Japan.