Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) team members bow at Ebisu Shrine, the first shrine in a traditional San-ja Mairi, or Three Shrine Pilgrimage. The team was praying for a successful launch of a Japanese H-IIA rocket carrying the NASA-JAXA, Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory on Tanegashima Island on Friday.
© Japan Today
Blessing for a blast-off
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12 Comments
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SimondB
Sorry, but it is a bit comical. It's like something from a Monty Python sketch. Can't stop smiling.
smithinjapan
Good luck, peeps!
virgo98
@SimondB, @shinhiyata,
You are saying that European or American astronauts never pray to God?
Are you Christians?
There are different cultures from Western one in the world or other religions than Christianity. You may think they are inferior than yours, but we are living with that religion deeply rooted in our culture with respect for the great nature. I don't deny other culture or religion. So, I don't want you to do that either, even if the traditional ritual looks comical to you.
StormR
Just because you pray does not mean you will get the desired result, and praying is meaningless except maybe to make the person praying feel better.
italiandream
This picture remind me North Korea people...
Ranger_Miffy2
It's a good idea to pray to the local kami. However, I wish the blue uniforms were more stylish. Please, talk to Armani, or one of the many talented Japanese fashion designers. These uniforms are grossly boring and do nothing to promote Japan's public image.
Nenad Jovanović
I respect Japan shinto religion , I personally dont want Japan to lose their uniqueness, I enjoy how they are different from us .
GrayWolf
May their flight be routine, uneventful, and successful.
Kurobune
@virgo98 - EXACTLY ! Time and time again there are those who seem to think that THEIR way is the only WAY !
MACK_NIPPON
This is improper. No company should force employees to do religious rituals, but especially for government agencies because it is against the law.
smithinjapan
Wow... you get five thumbs down for wishing these people success and hoping for no tragedies. Maybe it's just me but perhaps the people automatically clicking on thumbs down are simply not at all thinking and, I hope, actually desire the success of the Japanese space program?
ryouzer0
Can't wait for the results of the launch