A priest and maiko attendants release bell crickets that have been dedicated to the shrine &quot;kami&quot; (gods) during the suzumushi-hojosai rite that marks the end of the  3-day Reitaisai festival in Kamakura, Japan on  14 Sept. 2012.  The ritual is observed in order to recognize the preciousness of life, releasing the insects by a pond inside the shrine grounds. Photographer: Robert Gilhooly.