A wish for the eradication of the new virus Traditional "Yumitori Doji" Tochigi Nikko March 8 17:12
In order to protect the area from evil, a traditional event called “Yumitori Doji” was held in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, where children shot a target with a demon character upside down with a bamboo bow and arrow.
This event is said to have been passed down to Sansho Shrine in Kokura, Nikko City since the Edo period, and is held at this time every year.
Two boys, a first grader and a third grader, participated as a bow shooter, "Yumitori Doji," and a ceremony was held in which the first shrine of rice, which was served in a large bowl in the main hall, was eaten separately. Was.
Next, a mark with the word “oni” written upside down was prepared on the precincts, and the boys fired arrows with a bamboo bow from a place about 4 meters away while watching the local people, Applause and cheers were raised when hit.
Takuma Kodachi, a first-year elementary school student who served as Yomitori Doji, said, "It was fun to have" Yuttori Doji "with adults and hit it all."
Mr. Nagama Sakane, a third-year elementary school student, said that he was thrilled but very happy to hit the middle.
Mr. Norihisa Okabe, the chief of the shrine's son, said, `` I hope that the new coronavirus will subside, because `` Yutori Doji '' also has a wish to prevent evil spirits from spreading and the spread of plagues. '' Was.