All the pillars of the Yomeimon Gate from Toshougu, Nikko, are decorated with a motif called gori (or gurin), a stylization of the young bracken fronds. But there is one standing out, because the motif is… reversed: the one on the left of the photo.

Although the first thought that comes to mind is that it was assembled upside-down by mistake, the truth is that it was intentionally inverted, in order to create imperfection. Called sakakibashira, the “inverted pillar” is also believed to have the role of a protection talisman.

Yomeimon Gate, Toshougu Shrine, Nikko

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Traditional Japanese house, Marumado window