Saturday, July 20, 2019

JMSDF Launches New Destroyer Haguro

This week in Yokohama saw the launch of Japan's newest Maya-Class Aegis destroyer DDG-180 Haguro which bears the same of it's IJN predacessor of the heavy cruiser that fought in WWII. The Haguro is currently undergoing sea trials and is expected to recive her full commission in 2021 before heading out to join the fleet.

Saturday, July 6, 2019

JMSDF Strength and Readiness

We recently came across this 2018 video produced by the Japanese Government that showcases the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (海上自衛隊 Kaijō Jieitai) capabilities. With 114 warships and 45,800 volunteer personnel, this small, yet effective Navy, is by far, the best in Asia and one of the best Navies in the world.While there is no subtitles in this video, none are needed to see the JMSDF in action. Pay special attention to their US-2 Flying Boat SAR crews. Enjoy!

Monday, July 1, 2019

Shinto Returns to Los Angeles

Seen here is Shinto Priestess Izumi Hasegawa of the Shusse Inari Shrine of America performing the Nagoshi-no-Harae - Mid-Year Purification in West Los Angeles. The event was attended by a small group of people who each participated in the ceremony. While it has not been possible to travel up to Washington State to the Grand Tsubaki Shrine of America, this mobile shrine enabled us to still participate in the Mid Year Purification in person. While there has not been an established Jinja in Los Angeles in years, We welcome Reverend Hasegawa's small mobile shrine to help our connection with nature and Kamisama going in this complex urban setting we live in. 
Reverend Hasegawa seen left with volunteers setting up the traditional wreath participants walk through in a figure eight pattern with a series of bows of reverence. 
 A small tent setup to greet participants and the mobile shrine is seen in the background.
A quick view of the altar. While Hasegawa Sensei was okay with taking photos, we opted to keep this to a bare minimum out of respect as well as to not become a distrationfrom the work at hand. While he have seen the Shusse Inari Shrine of America small mobile shrine at New Years, we hope to see more of them here in Los Angeles and wish them great success in their effort to bring Shinto back to the City of Angels. To learn more about the Shusse Inari Shrine of America please visit their website.