Ise, March 8-9, U.S. Embassy Tokyo Charge d’Affaires James Zumwalt, accompanied by Consulate Nagoya Principal Officer Max Kwak, visited Japan’s famous Ise Shrine complex in Mie Prefecture.

Dedicated to Shinto’s most important goddesses; Amaterasu-Omikami and Toyouke Omikami, Ise is considered the center of Japan’s Shinto religion.

During his two-day visit, the Charge and his wife, Ann Kambara, who is currently the Director of Tokyo American Center, toured Ise’s inner and outer shrine as well as the complex’s museum.

The Charge enjoyed a shrine maiden performance of the 1500-year-old Kaguramai (dance to please the gods).

Following the performance, the Charge met with His Holy Highness Naotake Takatsukasa, the Grand Chief Priest of Shinto.