Pop Japan

Dedicated to a scholar, poet, and politician of Heian period named Sugawara no Michizane, Usokae is an annual tribute-giving held at the spot where he died (now Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine). Participants receive a wooden doll curved like bullfinch, which is believed as a lucky bird and messenger of Michizane. They also bring their old dolls to exchange for a new ones. What they are looking is a golden bullfinch which is believed to bring good fortune throughtout the year.   Photo by: Chris 73 Licensed under Creative Commons.