Sumo grand champion Asashoryu, right, dedicates his ring entry forms to the Meiji Shrine, being attended by sword-bearer Toki in Tokyo Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004. The shinto ritual is part of the annual New Year's celebrations at the shrine. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
Sumo grand champion Asashoryu, from Mongolia, performs his ring entry forms to dedicate to the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004. The shinto ritual is part of the annual New Year's celebrations at the shrine. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
Japanese businessmen hold a service aimed at fending off viruses and glitches for their computers in a purification ceremony conducted by a Shinto priest according to Shinto rituals at Kanda Myojin shrine in Tokyo January 6, 2004. REUTERS/Haruyoshi Yamaguchi
Japanese businessmen wearing traditional ceremonial vests listen to a ritual Shinto prayer at Kanda Myojin shrine in Tokyo January 5, 2004. The businessmen prayed for better sales in the New Year. Tokyo's Nikkei average ended at two-month high on Monday, the first trading day of 2004. REUTERS/Toshiyuki Aizawa
Shinto priests walk through a wooden torii gate to leave the main shrine after a shinto ritual to usher off 2003 and prepare for the new year at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, December 31, 2003. Some two million people are expected to visit the shrine during the first three days in the new year to pray for long life and happiness. REUTERS/Issei Kato
Shinto priests leave the main shrine after a shinto ritual to usher off 2003 and prepare for the new year at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, December 31, 2003. Some two million people are expected to visit the shrine during the first three days in the new year to pray for long life and happiness. REUTERS/Issei Kato