Monday, December 1, 2025
Gratitude and coexistence seen in the Niiname-sai festival, which is faithfully preserved by 1,600 Hokuryu town residents
November 24th (national holiday), Labor Thanksgiving Day. The grounds of Shinryu Shrine, still covered in snow, were filled with a dignified silence and a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. Today was the Niiname-sai festival, where people offer the new grain harvested that year to the gods, and then partake of it together with them in gratitude for their blessings. This is one of Japan's most important festivals, with a long history.
In this modern age of material abundance, have we sometimes forgotten the meaning of "eating" and our reverence for nature? This ritual, which has been carefully preserved in this small town, quietly asks us these questions.
History speaks of the will to "protect"
Since its founding in 1893, Shinryu Shrine has continued to be a source of spiritual support for the people of Hokuryu Town. The history inscribed on the shrine building describes the aspirations of our ancestors as they developed this land, welcomed the gods, and protected it as a place of spiritual support. This is not just the history of the building, but also a "record of the souls" of the people who lived on this land.
"Food is life" God and man come face to face
A solemn Shinto ritual was held in the worship hall. Offerings on the altar were newly harvested rice and vegetables, cultivated with the soil of Hokuryu and the sweat and love of the farmers. The priest recited a prayer, and the attendees bowed deeply, exuding gratitude that goes beyond words.
We are purified with a sacred offering (Ounusa) and offer tamagushi (sacred branches). Each of these actions is a ritual that confirms that we are part of nature and that we live within a great cycle. "We were able to harvest safely again this year. Thank you." This humble prayer may be the invisible pillar that supports the peace of this town.
Daiheiharai (purification ritual)
Reciting a prayer
Offering of sacred branches
A speech by Chief Priest Onishi Kota of Fukagawa Daikoku Shrine (Kazukicho, Fukagawa City)
"The Niiname-sai is a festival where offerings are made of new grain and, in the past, unrefined sake. At the shrine, there are three festivals where the doors of the main hall are opened: the spring Niiname-sai, the September Reitaisai, and today's Niiname-sai, which is the main festival.
The Niiname-sai festival is held nationwide on November 23rd or a similar date. On November 23rd, late at night before sunrise, the Emperor holds a festival at the Shinkaden Hall of the Imperial Palace, where he offers the first harvest of rice he has personally grown for the first time. Following in his footsteps, shrines across the country also hold today's festival, where they offer the first harvest of the year.
At the Niinamesai (prayer festival) in February, we prayed for a bountiful harvest this year, as well as for the development of commerce and industry in the parishioner area, and also for the safety of our households. We offered the first harvest of the year to the shrine as a token of our gratitude for its protection over the past year.
Thanks to you, we were able to serve without any problems at this year's Niiname-sai festival.
This year, the repair of the shrine's roof was completed without any problems thanks to the generosity of the local community. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the officials for taking the time to do so despite their busy schedules.
There is only one month left in 2025, and the shrine's only remaining festival is the Great Purification Ceremony on December 28th.
We welcome the year 2026 with a refreshing feeling, and I sincerely pray for the peace and prosperity of everyone in attendance, as well as everyone in the parishioner area. Thank you very much for visiting us today.
"Naorai" - drinking sacred sake
This is an important ritual in which offerings to the gods are made to absorb their power into the body, deepening bonds between people and praying for health and prosperity.
People exchange sacred sake and smile as they talk. There is a warm exchange between people as individuals, transcending titles and positions. The scene of this "naokai" embodies the "spirit of harmony" and "compassion" that the people of Hokuryu hold dear. Appreciating each other and sharing joy. Perhaps these simple actions are the prototype of the "peace" the world is searching for.
What is true wealth?
The Niiname-sai is not just a traditional event. It is a sacred ceremony that reminds us of the most important aspects of being human: knowing contentment, being grateful, and sharing.
We hope that this story of prayer, which originates from Shinryu Shrine in Hokuryu Town, will reach the hearts of people all over the world and serve as an opportunity to reexamine the meaning of "abundance."
We are grateful for the bountiful harvest that gives life, and we pray from the bottom of our hearts for the health and peace of all the residents of Hokuryu Town.
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◇ 🖋️ Content planning, article writing, photo selection, and video creation: Ikuko Terauchi
Photography, editing, and website management: Noboru Terauchi
