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Ise Jingu “The 62nd Jingu Shikinen Sengu” and Izumo Oyashiro “Heisei Great Sengu”. A collection of works as an art photographer, Masuura challenged these ancient festivals that have been passed down over 1300 years.

At Ise Jingu, a ceremony to restore the shrine is held once every 20 years, and at Izumo Oyashiro once every 60 years. Sengu is a large-scale project that takes several years to carry out a number of ceremonies, starting with the cutting of trees, the construction and repair of the shrine buildings, and the transfer of the shrine. It is said that the power of the deities will be revived by the “Sengu”, and that the world will always be lively and peaceful. By repeating this celemony, along with the prayers for the succession of life, the sophisticated techniques such as traditional arts and crafts are transmitted to the next generation.

Masuura is the only photographer who has received official permission from Ise Jingu and Izumo Oyashiro, and has been allowed to take close-up shots of the two shrines from the preparation ceremonies until the relocation was completed in 2013. In this book, the sacred ritual is fully conveyed.

First edition published: May 20, 2016
Publisher: University of Tokyo Press (Japan/Tokyo)

Hard cover (with case)
two volumes
Size: 380 x 268 x 51mm (one volume: 370 x 265 x 22mm)
List price: 36,000 yen (+ tax)