In this body of work (1968–1970), Naitō portrays itako, female shamans who invoke the spirits of the dead.
Female shamanism used to be widespread within Japan; today it is limited to this region where the more esoteric sides of Eastern religion are still practiced.
Naitō pays homage to this time-old tradition with his bright flash, graphically illuminating the characters he depicts.
Again using an open flash and mostly working at night, Naitō's images endow people and objects alike with a mystical aura.
Naitō won second prize in the Domon Ken Award for his book Dewa Sanzan and Shugen, Kosei Publishing, 1982.