OSAKA - With six days remaining in the year, Tsutenkaku in Osaka hosted its annual year-end “zodiac handover ceremony,” a seasonal tradition that marks the passing of the old zodiac sign to the next.
Now in its 70th year, the ceremony featured appearances by the zodiac animal of the outgoing year, the Snake, and that of the coming year, the Horse. The event included a lighthearted exchange in which the two reflected on the past year and shared hopes for the year ahead through a series of playful puns, a hallmark of the annual gathering.
Tetsuro Kanamori, chairman of Tsutenkaku Tourism, appeared representing the Snake and looked back on the past year by referring to the surge of excitement surrounding the Osaka-Kansai Expo. “This year was defined by the growing momentum of the Expo,” Kanamori said. “Despite concerns that the intense summer heat and rising prices might dampen attendance, we managed to shed those worries and exceed expectations, much like a snake shedding its skin.”
Representing the Horse, Yoshitaka Tomoda, director of JRA Hanshin Racecourse, struck an upbeat tone as he looked ahead to the coming year. “As we charge into the Year of the Horse at full speed, let’s gallop straight ahead,” Tomoda said. “By handling inflation skillfully and keeping our strength steady, I hope we can all push forward toward the finish line with confidence.”
The annual ceremony, known for its wordplay tied to the zodiac animals, has become a year-end fixture at Tsutenkaku, offering a lighthearted yet symbolic send-off to the old year and a hopeful welcome to the new one.
Source: YOMIURI
