A Shinto musician (C), assisted by his colleagues, washes his hands in a symbolic purification cerem.....
A Shinto musician (C), assisted by his colleagues, washes his hands in a symbolic purification ceremony before a ceremony to end the year of 2001 and prepare for the new year of 2002 at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, December 31, 2001. Some two million people are expected to visit the shrine during the first three days in the new year to pray for long life and happiness.