Akiko could hear the protesters gathering at the foot of the stairs as they began the harae, but they stayed at the bottom, not interfering with the ceremony. As they continued, however, things got louder, and Akiko could hear someone, a woman, protesting at not being allowed past. She forced herself to concentrate on the ceremony until Shiraishi had finished, the kegare swept away from the grounds once more.

The priest lowered the ohnusa and looked at Akiko.

“Well?â€

“All clear now,â€ Akiko confirmed.

“Good.â€ Shiraishi turned to look at the steps, and sighed. “I suppose we’d better go and see what’s going on down there this time.â€

Akiko followed her down the steps, and they could soon see the problem. The protesters were standing in a wall across the bottom, totally blocking the path. They were quiet, but they weren’t moving. Beyond them stood Ms Yamanaka, in a different kimono today, her expression one of frustration. She looked up as Akiko and Shiraishi came into view.

“Good morning. I’m afraid that these people will not let me pass.â€

“You’ve made your point,â€ Shiraishi said, her voice weary. “Now get out of the way and let her into the shrine.â€

The protesters made no move, continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder. Mrs Watanabe wasn’t there, but neither was Mr Akiyama. In fact, it seemed to have been a long time since he had come, and Akiko suddenly wondered whether he was deliberately staying out of it, while the protesters pushed the boundaries further and harder.

“Come on,â€ Shiraishi tried again. “You are preventing her from going about her legitimate business. You know that’s illegal.â€

Still no response, although Akiko saw that some of the protesters did shuffle a bit, apparently nervous at the mention of the law. Shiraishi folded her arms and waited, but the protesters didn’t even look round at her, didn’t acknowledge her presence.

“You can’t stand there all day!â€ Shiraishi sounded quite frustrated, now, but the protesters were still immovable, as if to say that they thought they certainly could stand there all day.

“They wouldn’t respond when I challenged them, either,â€ Ms Yamanaka offered, looking up at them, her expression almost as frustrated. “Is there another way into the shrine?â€

Shiraishi shook her head.

“Not a practical one; you couldn’t climb the slopes in a kimono.â€

Ms Yamanaka looked around, clearly annoyed, but there was still no move from the protesters. Akiko heard a car pull up, and Ms Yamanaka looked in that direction. A few moments later Mr Tanaka came into view at the bottom of the steps.

“Is there a problem?â€ Mr Tanaka asked.

“These people won’t let me through,â€ Ms Yamanaka explained, and Mr Tanaka looked a bit surprised.

“Really? Why won’t you let her enter the shrine?â€

As before, the protesters said nothing, just standing there. Mr Tanaka’s face darkened rapidly.

“At least do me the courtesy of answering!â€ There was still no response. “Right. I’m entering the shrine. This woman will be entering with me. You can either get out of the way, or I’ll push you out of the way.â€

The protesters did shift a little at that, but they still didn’t move far. Mr Tanaka set his face, and then turned to glance at Ms Yamanaka.

“Follow me.â€

He walked straight up to the steps, aiming between two of the protesters, and when they didn’t move he pushed against them, trying to force his way through. For a moment, it looked like they would block him, but then he twisted sideways, they both stumbled, and he walked through the gap that appeared, followed by Ms Yamanaka.

He said nothing until they were all within the shrine precincts, out of earshot of the protesters.

“Idiots! What do they think they’re doing?â€

“You got through them very easily,â€ Shiraishi commented.

“Years of experience on rush hour trains,â€ Mr Tanaka shrugged, and then turned serious again.

“Revd Shiraishi, we would like you to purify our house again. As soon as possible.â€