Kakuji? and today's visual puzzle [medium]

Is the following "kakuji" or just a window decoration?

http://flickr.com/photos/bluelotus/120604218/in/set-72057594106857044/

Also, here is a visual puzzle: what does the kanji sign on the backs of these men say?

http://flickr.com/photos/z058/158507761/

If that one is too difficult, the following one is easier (at least the man on the left of the picture):

http://flickr.com/photos/tgamblin/76917986/

That should be a clue for the more difficult one.

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sci.lang.japan FAQ: http://www.sljfaq.org/afaq/afaq.html

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