Rice-planting ceremonies are held throughout Japan, but the version carried out at Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, holds special significance. This is because at this historical shrine, the ancient tradition stays faithful to its original form, with the rites performed in their entirety just as they were done centuries ago. In fact, Sumiyoshi Taisha’s rice-planting ritual – officially known as Otaue Shinji – is now recognised as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
On this auspicious day, Sunday June 14, a stage is set up in the centre of the sacred rice field to host the proceedings. The day’s programme begins at 1pm and includes the Yaotome Dance featuring eight shrine maidens, a warrior performance with participants decked out in traditional armour, as well as a rice-planting dance carried out by local children.
The festivities culminate with the famous Sumiyoshi Dance. Together, these rites serve as a prayer to bless the planting season, in hopes that the rice grains grow in abundance and ripen fully for harvest in autumn.