Ahead of the soccer World Cup match against Costa Rica on the 27th, supporters of the Japan national team have visited a shrine in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, which is closely related to the symbol of the Japan Football Association, "Yatagarasu", to pray for victory.
At Kumano Kotai Shrine in Karuizawa Town, legend has it that Yamato Takeru was led by a legendary three-legged crow, Yatagarasu, when he was unable to proceed on the Usui Pass due to thick fog.
Before the soccer World Cup against Costa Rica on the 27th, supporters of the Japanese national team prayed for victory at the Yatagarasu Shrine in one corner of the precincts.
In addition, an ema (votive plaque) wishing for the success of the Japanese national team was also dedicated.
A woman in her 40s who visited the shrine said, "I was really happy when we won against Germany. I asked them to win the next match."
Takafumi Mizusawa, chief priest of Usui Pass Kumano Kotai Shrine in Karuizawa, said, "After the match against Germany, the number of visitors has increased. I hope you will lead the Japanese national team to victory."