Japanese-English Photo Glossary Index

koma-inu Listen to the term in Japanese!

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Koma-inu at entrance to Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo
Photo by Linda Freeman, July 5, 2003

lion-dogs

Koma-inu invariably appear in pairs at entrances to shrines, temples, and even modern buildings. The lion-dog on the left will usually have a closed mouth and the one on the right will have an open mouth. The one on the right often has a round ball in its mouth or paw.

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