Edo’ites (people from the shogun’s capital/old Tokyo) have been doing this since the mid-18th century. This text from 1790 states that people who paste with a sincere heart will have their prayers answered 4/
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It’s still done today, but shrines and temples are increasingly banning the practice. There’s a variety of reasons for this. One is new sticker versions, which degrade poorly, damage wood surfaces, and are often seen as too flashy for the aesthetics of the site. (Please don’t use these!) 5/
Cultural heritage interests are another. The protection of valuable places is important, but often cultural *sites* get prioritized over cultural *practices*. Tourist dollars may flow in but at the expense of the site’s regular users 6/
Finally, pasting is already in decline and most people (domestic and foreign) don’t know about it. More attention could help generate more accommodating stances and appreciation for this very cool practice! 7/
Thanks! I just drafted an article (for the Japanese Journal of Religious Studies) that will come out next year. I’d like to get out something mainstream at some point too
Wonderful. I'd love to read it when it's out (or before?). I've just returned from Japan and observed what you are describing, but I had no way to frame or understand it.
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