Monday, January 4, 2021
It's New Year's Day, 2021, the Year of the Ox (Xinox). This year's New Year's Day began with a bitterly cold morning, with temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees Celsius.
Last year (2020) began with the COVID-19 pandemic and was a difficult year in which society, the economy, and everyday life changed dramatically amid the pandemic.
The 38th New Year's Day Marathon 2021: Prayers for "good harvest, traffic safety, no accidents, and family safety"
Organizers: Hokuryu Town Sports Association, JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch
・Sponsored by: Hokuryu Town Board of Education, Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen
・Sponsoring organizations: Traffic Safety Association, Hokuryu Fire Department Union Fire Department Support Association, Kurosengoku Business Cooperative
Secretariat: JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch, Mr. Kiyotaka Hasegawa (Hokuryu Fire Department)
Visit to Shinryu Shrine
At 7:00 a.m., about 25 townspeople gather at Shinryu Shrine to pray for the end of epidemics, a good harvest, safe travels, no accidents, and safety in their homes.
Run the New Year's Day Marathon at your own pace
After praying, everyone gathers in front of the Hokuryu Fire Department, puts on yellow sashes for "traffic safety," and starts off at the same time! They run in groups of three or five, each in step with their own rhythm.
Accompanying the patrol car to ensure traffic safety is Atsushi Ito, chief of the Hekisui Police Station.
Our annual New Year's party was cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the start of the new year, we pray for the eradication of epidemics, a good harvest, safe travels, and safety in the home.
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, we hope to see the New Year's Day Marathon usher in a bright new era.
Other photos
Related articles
・The 37th New Year's Day Marathon 2020: Prayers for "good harvest, traffic safety, no accidents, and family safety"(January 4, 2020)
・The 36th New Year's Day Marathon 2019: Prayers for "good harvest, traffic safety, no accidents, and family safety"(January 7, 2019)
・The 35th New Year's Day Marathon 2018: Prayers for "good harvest, traffic safety, no accidents, and family safety"(January 2, 2018)
・The 35th New Year's Day Marathon 2018 will be held jointly by the Hokuryu Town Sports Association and the JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch.(December 25, 2017)
・The 34th Hokuryu Town New Year's Day Marathon 2017, a prayer for good harvests and road safety, and a passionate message for the next generation(January 3, 2016)
・The 33rd Hokuryu Town New Year's Day Marathon 2016, a prayer for good harvests and safe traffic(January 4, 2016)
・The 32nd Hokuryu Town New Year's Day Marathon 2015, a prayer for good harvests and safe traffic(January 5, 2015)
・The 31st Hokuryu Town New Year's Day Marathon 2014, a prayer for good harvests and safe traffic(Doushin Blog (End of 2018) January 6, 2014)
・The 30th Hokuryu Town New Year's Day Marathon 2013, a prayer for good harvests and safe traffic (January 2, 2013)
◇ Photography and editing: Noboru Terauchi Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi
