On May 1, the "Ashizoroeshiki" ceremony was held at Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine), a World Heritage Site in Kita Ward, Kyoto City, to decide the order of the horses to race in the "Kamo Kurabeuma" (May 5th), a ritual held prior to the Aoi Festival (May 15th). Under clear blue skies and a fresh breeze, spectators enjoyed the sight of the horses galloping through the fresh green grounds.

The riders gallop on their horses while shouting out unique chants (May 1, Kamigamo Shrine, Kita Ward, Kyoto City)

In the Ashizoroeshiki, highly trained jockeys called "Norijiri" race through a straight line of about 200 meters of the arena. Various ceremonies were held according to ancient traditions, including the "Sugake" where the horses gallop through the arena one by one, and the "Kyouchi" where two horses run at the same time, just like in the actual race.

A person riding a horse (May 1, Kamigamo Shrine, Kita Ward, Kyoto City)

This year, 10 people, including junior high and high school students, served as Norijiri, captivating the audience with their spirited calls and distinctive whip movements. Sixth graders from four nearby elementary schools also visited the event as part of a class learning about traditional culture, and exclaimed in admiration at the sight of the horses sprinting, "They're fast!" and "They're amazing!"

Horses and riders walking in the riding ground (May 1, Kamigamo Shrine, Kita Ward, Kyoto City)

The Kamo horse racing is said to have begun in 1093 as a prayer for peace throughout the world and bountiful harvests.