Students preparing for entrance exams take part in Shinto shrine ritual

Oct 19 (NHK) - Students preparing to take school entrance examinations next spring are visiting a Shinto shrine, which honors the god of learning, to receive blessings.

Sponsored Links

Travel and accommodations

Tokyo's hottest fashion

Hiring in Japan now

Buzzing Popular Restaurants

Dazaifu Tenmangu is located in southwestern Japan's Fukuoka Prefecture. It enshrines Sugawara-no-Michizane, an aristocrat who lived from the 9th through the 10th centuries. The shrine holds a major ritual every year on October 18, the day on which Sugawara-no-Michizane became a scholar of the highest rank.

The event serves as a special occasion to pray for the success of those who will take school entrance exams.

On Wednesday, about 350 students from the prefecture and elsewhere took part in the rite, along with their families. They prayed for success.

A third-year high school student said he prayed to the god. He said he now feels that he is likely to pass the exam.

Throughout the month, the shrine's tower gate is decorated with images of carps and a dragon. The images are based on an ancient Chinese legend about a gateway to success. Worshipers are allowed to pass through the gate and pray that they will pass their examinations.

Source: KBC NEWS in JAPAN

Heavy Rain Hits Akita, Bridge Collapses

Japan's northern Akita Prefecture experienced a torrential deluge Friday, causing major flooding and the collapse of a bridge in Kamikoani Village.

Air Con Thefts 'Not Cool'

Theft of air conditioner outdoor units has surged as Japan's heatwave continues, leaving some businesses unable to run critical cooling systems.

Second Death of Hyogo Prefectural Employee Uncovered

As power harassment allegations against the governor of Hyogo Prefecture continue to swirl, it has been revealed that another prefectural employee has passed away, with the prefecture delaying a formal announcement of the death by 3 months.

Osaka Tops Japan's Urban Power Rankings

Osaka has topped the 'Japan Urban Power Rankings' for the fourth consecutive year. Conducted by Mori Building's think tank, the ranking evaluates 136 cities across Japan in six categories, including economy, culture, and environment.

Japan's Population Shrinks by 530,000

Japan's total population stood at 124.88 million as of January 1 this year, a decrease of over 530,000 from the previous year, further accelerating the trend of a declining birthrate and aging population.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Education NEWS

Crisis in Tokyo Police Recruitment

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is facing a decline in the number of applicants, leading to concerns about future recruitment. In an effort to showcase the appeal of the profession, the department held a training event for students, featuring demonstrations by special police units.

Biting Dolphin Strikes Again: Schoolboy Injured at Fukui Beach

A 'biting dolphin' has reappeared at a Fukui Prefecture beach this year, injuring a junior high school student. Cameras captured footage of the dolphin swimming in the same waters.

Osaka Private Schools Advocate Optional Fee-Based Education Programs

Osaka private school organizations have requested the Osaka Prefectural Government to publicize the existing system that allows students to receive special education programs for an additional fee, despite the ongoing initiative to make high school tuition free.

How Did Each JAPANESE Prefecture Get Its NAME?

Japan's territory today is divided into 47 areas called prefectures. This system was established in 1868 to replace the old provinces which had actually been in use since the year 600. (General Knowledge)

Foreign Teacher in Japan Lives on One Meal a Day

A 43-year-old American male, who has been teaching English at elementary and junior high schools in Kanagawa Prefecture for 18 years, is voicing his struggles with living expenses.

'Hajimete Challenge' Service Helps Kids Tackle First Errand

The 'Hajimete Challenge' service is gaining popularity for helping children complete their first errands. The service, provided by Tokyo-based video production company WAGAKOTO, includes filming and editing the errand experience, which is then sent to parents.

How to Clean and Care for Your Japanese Samurai Sword

Japanese swords, also known as 'katanas,' are samurai sword made in Japan. Many sword collectors highly regard katanas for their sharpness, durability, and rich history. That's why a real katana can cost as much as $200,000.

The 47 Ronin | The Edo Period Episode 7

As Japan comes under a wave of strict new laws decreed by Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the tension is set to burst when a group of 47 Ronin carry out a now legendary attack against a rival government official, eventually coming to be known as the Ako Incident. (The Shogunate)

< 2 3 4 5 >