A festival to pray for a good harvest at the national treasure "Usuki Stone Buddha"

A festival to pray for a good harvest was held at Usuki Stone Buddha, a national treasure stone Buddha statue in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture.

This festival, which was held on the 28th of this month at "Usuki Stone Buddha" in Oita Prefecture, which is designated as a national treasure, is a summer tradition of Usuki City that has been passed down for about 800 years as an event to ward off pests and wish for a good harvest.

Continuing from last year, the public release was canceled due to measures against the new coronavirus, and it was held only by local officials.

First, in front of the statue of Dainichi Nyorai, which represents Usuki Stone Buddha, the people concerned burned incense and prayed for a good harvest and the end of the new Coronaiurus.

After that, when the area became dim, local volunteers lit about 400 torches erected in front of the approach and stone Buddha, and a fantastic sight spread.

Nearly 20,000 tourists visit this festival every year, but it is planned to be held without spectators until the infection situation of the new corona subsides.

Akiko Ota, director of the Hospitality and Tourism Division of Usuki City, said, "I want to continue this traditional festival, which is a summer tradition of Usuki. This was done only by the people concerned, but many people will come next year. I want you to have it. "