At Hoki Inari Shrine in Kotoura Town, Tottori Prefecture, the Hatsuuma Festival, a traditional event where the chief priest shoots arrows into the sky to ward off evil spirits and pray for a good harvest, was held.
The Hatsuuma Festival is a traditional event held at this time of year to pray for a good harvest and the safety of one's family.On the 11th, about 70 people gathered from inside and outside the prefecture.
First, a ritual was held at the shrine, and after the worshipers received oharai, the chief priest read out the blessings.
After this, the shrine moved outside the shrine, and the chief priest fired one meter-long ``kaburaya'' toward the north, south, east, and west, and one toward the sky directly above, known as Chuten, to ward off evil spirits.
It is believed that if you take the arrow home and display it, it will act as a talisman against evil spirits and will bring you happiness for a year.When the arrow was released, participants ran to the spot where it fell.
A man from Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, who picked up the arrow, said, ``I hope everyone receives good fortune and has a healthy and happy year.''
Also, a boy from Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture, said, ``I was happy to be able to catch the arrow.I hope it will be a happy year for my family.''