A shrine in the town of Takahara, Miyazaki Prefecture, has filed a suit against a nearby souvenir shop for selling lucky charms under a name that could be interpreted as having links with the shrine.
The lawsuit, filed with the Miyazaki District Court, alleges the Hakuryu Jinja (White Dragon Shrine) souvenir shop located along the path to Kasumi Jinja Shrine gives the impression it is linked to the shrine.
Kasumi Jinja worships a white snake, and shrine officials charge that the shop is violating trademarks and its naming rights by selling items depicting a white snake.
"We have secured trademark registration for products with a white snake on them. In addition, we have the rights to the name 'Jinja,' " the shrine said.