On Sunday, September 29, the annual Cell Shrine Festival was held.
Continuing from last year, many guests came from Japan and Southeast Asia to participate this year as well. First, Kintaro officials gathered for a purification ceremony conducted by the chief priest of Sumiyoshi Shrine in front of the Shinto altar. Then, the main ceremony began in the precincts of the cell shrine with the participation of all those present, and our representative, Mr. Gradkov Alexei, performed the service. On the stage there was a dedicatory kagura performance and sumo song by former sekitori (sumo wrestler) Daishi-san. Mayor Toshiya of Otaru City Mr. Hazama also attended the event and gave a speech.
After Ceremony all guests moved to the courtyard for a taiko drumming performance by the well-known Otaru Taiko drummers, Kokyo, followed by a speech by Alexei. A barbecue featuring an abundance of fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables was served, and the participants enjoyed the delicacies. The dragon dance, performed for the first time in Hokkaido, and the singing voice of Mr. Taishi also made this year's annual festival a fulfilling and enjoyable one.
