Fans of the "Lucky Star" comic book and cartoon took part in a festival Sunday in Kuki, Saitama Prefecture, where Washinomiya Shrine serves as an integral setting for the animated series.
About 140 fans, some in costume, took turns carrying a portable shrine with "Lucky Star" characters painted on it as part of the shrine's annual Haji Festival.
"I would like to come here next year again," said fan Takeshi Endo, 35, who is self-employed and lives in Inawashiro, Fukushima Prefecture.
Visitors to the shrine began rising after "Lucky Star," which tells the tale of an anime-loving high school girl, became an animated TV series in 2007.
The portable shrine has been used in the festival since 2008.