Society

Kyoto's Kamigamo Shrine Holds Traditional 'Crow Sumo' Ritual

KYOTO, Sep 11 (News On Japan) - The traditional 'Crow Sumo' ritual, which involves imitating crow calls to pray for good health, was held on September 9 at Kyoto's Kamigamo Shrine. This ritual, which takes place on the Day of Chrysanthemums, has been performed since the Heian Period

During the event, shrine servants known as Tone mimicked crows by leaping sideways and imitating their calls, while carrying bows and swords.

The ritual is linked to the legend of Yatagarasu, a sacred crow that guided Emperor Jimmu, as well as an ancient sumo event aimed at warding off evil spirits that could damage crops.

On the shrine grounds, children also performed sumo wrestling, and this year's Saio-dai of the Aoi Festival, Akiko Matsuura, was among the spectators, who cheered enthusiastically.

Japanese Lunar Lander Resilience Launched From Kennedy Space Center

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Foreign visitors to Japan hit record high in 2024

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Yomiuriland’s Ferris Wheel Makes Final Spin

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Michelin-Star Chef's Exclusive Film Menu

Last month, Chef Kei Kobayashi, the first Asian to earn three Michelin stars in Paris, supervised dishes for the film "Grand Maison Paris." His restaurant in Paris, as well as five branded establishments in Japan, was featured in a special interview. Kobayashi proposed 20 to 30 menu items for the movie, with several dishes now being offered in Japan for a limited time, including a 5,500-yen course at his Gotemba restaurant.

Chiba Celebrates 'Coming of Age' with Mickey

Chiba's Urayasu City hosted a '20-Year Celebration' event at Tokyo DisneySea on Monday, marking the transition to adulthood for local residents.

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