The Streets are ours

In767, Takemikazuchi the chief deity of Kashima Shrine, was ceremonially enshrined at Kasuga Shrine in Nara, in order to protect the Heijokyo capital. At this time it is said that the god of thunder came to Nara astride a white deer. Ever since the deer at Nara have been regarded as divine messengers and protected. More than 1200 years passed, while the ancient capital changes its cityscape completely, the activities of deer remain the same. As of July 17, 2018, 1360 deer live in Nara. Driven by instinct, deer come out from the forest of Kasuga early in the morning, roam the freely empty city, and go to work near the deer crackers shop when tourists come. In the evening, deer go back to the forest together. Detached from human concerns, the free deer in Nara walk around like one owns the world as if they are saying “the Streets Are Ours”.