Pedestrian paradise

I can't believe how fast three years passed. I still remember that day vividly. Much strength to the families of the victims!

27th trial was held last month. When will the murder be sentenced? Give the murder a harsh sentence.

Rather an invasive photo, no? Or was the "praying" staged?

I was thinking the same thing as Maria. Bit of an odd place to take the photo.

Hey guys, no reason not to believe the photo is authentic automatically, but this could also be easily achieved by simply asking the person "May I take your picture praying for the victims? It will be for a news website". The lady simply says "Sure" or "No thank you" and you go from there.

Staged or very rude.

Who is she praying to? I always wonder who the Japanese are praying to when I see sights like this.

I would think they are praying to the spirits of the departed.

May the victims rest in peace.

warallthetime. As opposed to western aloof arial dieties?

Japanese are praying to whomever they believe is listening. Exactly as everyone else, everywhere else on the planet. Leave them in peace to do so.

It is surely taken with consent, as I believe it is illegal to post pictures like this without the subject agreeing to it. I can't believe how fast 3 years had past.

Why is Japan so reluctant to label this attack as "terrorist" is beyond me..

Who is she praying to?

Japan Today.... her dream is to be on the front page

Why is Japan so reluctant to label this attack as "terrorist" is beyond me..

Because it was just a crazy guy who went on a rampage... I don't see how it is possible to connect that to terrorism? The whole point of terrorism is to enforce some kind of social/global change.

"Why is Japan so reluctant to label this attack as "terrorist" is beyond me.."

Why would Japan label a criminal act as terrorism? Orwell warned of the degredation of language when words cease to have true meanings, but are instead twisted to meet other ends. The overuse of the word "terrorism" means the word no longer has significant meaning. Japan is right to call the Akihabara attack what it was.... A Crime. Nothing more, nothing less.

This photo reeks of a "media event" instead of a private eulogy.

Ah. Where did they hide the camera?

I think it does fall under the umbrella of terrorism. How long has that pedestrian paradise been closed, all because one guy wreaked havoc on it some years ago? Why has it been closed? Because they were afraid something similar could happen again. When our minds make us so afraid of something happening that we alter our actions ... that's terrorism.

When our minds make us so afraid of something happening that we alter our actions ... that's terrorism.

But then by that logic, calling in sick because you are scared your boss will be angry because you haven't finished a report would also be terrorism.

I honestly can't believe that that guy behind the attacks had even thought about potential closure of the area as a result of his efforts

I don't like this one.

Regardless of whether or not consent was given (hopefully it was, and if it wasn't I hope the photographer gets sued), the composition of the shot is uncomfortably invasive. The DoF, angle and composition make it a bit too voyeuristic for my taste.

well said, tkoind2

The depth of field, angle and composition are what make this photo compelling. And I just don't see it as invasive. In what way? Too close? The photographer probably used a telephoto. It's personal moment, but what she's doing is in full view of everyone.

the angle of the " shot" made it look like the " hidden " photographer was lying on the ground.

This looks a bit staged to me. Everybody in the background is watching the girl who is praying, as if they took some time to set it up. She knows the camera is taking her picture and is praying accrdingly.

They've got exactly the same picture on the Japan Times site, only you can see her feet and the "voyeuristic" atmosphere pretty much disappears.

She knows the camera is taking her picture and is praying accrdingly.

Are you trying to say she wouldn't pray if no one was watching?

She knows the camera is taking her picture and is praying accrdingly.

I don't think she was the only person to pray that day.

This woman prays for her boyfriend/fiance or father/mother who has been a victim.