Nobori are traditional Japanese flags, tall and narrow and, unlike today’s flags, fastened to an inverted L-shaped pole, to keep the fabric from folding. The reason for the complicated pole comes probably from their use during battles, when it was important to maintain the flag’s inscriptions and signs legible.

Today, nobori are mainly used for advertising, during festivals and sports events and for various announcements inside religious establishments.

Yakumo Shrine, Kamakura

EXIF Info:

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Old Shimbashi Station wide angle night photo