On the first working day of the year, Japanese company men and women are required to go to the nearest temple and pray for the well-being of the company. It is usually a corporate event, so entire offices walk together and crowd into temples in amazingly long queues. Corporate executives also take the time to mingle in other offices, meeting with other executives to gladhand and wish each other well over the year. It is usually an informal opportunity to network with former mentors and colleagues.
Lines in front of the shrine. The queue at this temple goes out around the block.