As denoted by its kanji (鰐口), waniguchi literally means “crocodile (or alligator) mouth”. It is named like this due to the instrument’s striking visual resemblance.

At Oya Temple in Utsunomiya, Japan, this waniguchi is sounded by worshippers to attract the deity’s attention by shaking the rope in front. © 2018 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

Shot with Mamiya 6 and 50mm f/4 lens on Fujicolor Pro 400H medium-format film.
Developed and scanned by Carmencita Film Lab.

写真の撮影場所：宇都宮・大谷寺