Travel

Spectacular Horsemanship Displayed at Kyoto Shrine Festival

KYOTO, May 06 (News On Japan) - A traditional horseback ritual showcasing advanced riding techniques was held on May 5th at Fujinomori Shrine in Kyoto’s Fushimi Ward, known for its association with the god of horses.

The annual event, called the Kakeuma ritual, features a series of spectacular horseback performances carried out on the shrine’s 200-meter approach. The ceremony dates back to the Muromachi period, when samurai guarding the imperial palace dedicated their horsemanship skills before the gods.

Seven techniques were demonstrated this year, including yokonori, in which riders conceal themselves from enemies by riding sideways, and fujisagari, a stunt where riders appear to fall off their horses after being hit by enemy arrows.

Source: YOMIURI

Number of Children in Japan Falls for 44th Straight Year

Japan’s child population has declined for the 44th consecutive year, reaching the lowest level since comparable records began in 1950, according to government estimates released ahead of Children's Day on May 5th.

Head Lice Are Spreading Again in Japan's Schools

Head lice, small parasitic insects that feed on blood from the scalp, are once again spreading among children in Japan as physical contact increases following the COVID-19 pandemic. In Sapporo, where outbreaks have been reported in schools, local officials are urging caution.

Wooden Church in Gifu Collapses Following Creaking Sounds

A wooden church in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture collapsed on Saturday evening, after years of delayed demolition plans due to financial constraints.

Japan Ranks 66th in Global Press Freedom, Lowest Among G7

Reporters Without Borders has released its 2025 World Press Freedom Index, ranking Japan 66th out of 180 countries and regions surveyed, just behind Timor-Leste (65th) and Fiji (64th).

Trump Raises Tariffs 25% on Imported Auto Parts

The Trump administration has imposed a 25% additional tariff on imported auto parts, including engines and transmissions, with the measure taking effect at 1:01 p.m. Japan time on May 3rd.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Kyoto’s Aoi Festival Begins with Traditional Purification Ceremony

In preparation for Kyoto’s Aoi Festival, one of the city’s three major festivals, the featured heroine known as the Saio-dai took part in a purification ritual called Gomiso-gi no Gi to cleanse herself before the main event.

Spectacular Horsemanship Displayed at Kyoto Shrine Festival

A traditional horseback ritual showcasing advanced riding techniques was held on May 5th at Fujinomori Shrine in Kyoto’s Fushimi Ward, known for its association with the god of horses.

Dugong Spotted off Kume Island for First Time Since 2019

A dugong, a nationally protected species feared to be at risk of extinction, was spotted swimming off the coast of Kume Island in Okinawa Prefecture in April. This marks the first confirmed sighting of a dugong in Okinawa since 2019.

Osaka-Kansai Expo Does Flip-Flop to Allow Smoking

Plans are underway to install designated smoking areas inside the Expo site for the first time.

First Baby Deer of the Year Spotted at Nara Park

Footage captured on May 1st shows a newborn fawn walking unsteadily. The fawn, a female measuring 51 centimeters in length and weighing 3,140 grams, was found that afternoon and is now staying at the nearby Rokuen protection facility with its mother. They will remain there until July.