On the morning of July 13, 2026, the *chigo* (sacred child) of the Gion Festival’s Naginata-boko float participated in the *Shasan-no-gi* (Shrine Visit Ceremony) at Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. There, he received the *Sugi-mamori* (cedar amulet), a token signifying his role as a divine messenger.

The *chigo* (sacred child) of the Naginata-boko float, mounted on a white horse, proceeding along Shijo-dori Street toward Yasaka Shrine (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City).

Around 10:00 a.m., the *chigo*, Kotaro Hase (age 8)—wearing a gold *eboshi* cap—set out from the float’s assembly hall (*kaisho*) on horseback. He was accompanied by two *kamuro* (child attendants), Kyosuke Hase and Keita Tsukiji (both age 9), along with approximately 20 officials from the Naginata-boko Preservation Society. Kotaro Hase gazed straight ahead with a composed expression, moving leisurely eastward along Shijo-dori Avenue while swaying gently in the saddle. A large crowd gathered along the route despite the sultry heat.

The *chigo* (sacred child) of the Naginata-boko float, mounted on a white horse, proceeding along Shijo-dori Street toward Yasaka Shrine (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City).

After undergoing a purification ritual at the shrine's main hall, Kotaro Hase received the *Sugi-mamori*, an amulet wrapped in cedar leaves from the shrine grounds. The ceremony is also known as *Oi-morai* (Receiving the Rank), as the *chigo* is said to be granted the court rank of *Shō-goi Shōshō* (Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade, Major General)—a status equivalent to that of a *daimyo* ruling a domain with an annual yield of 100,000 *koku* of rice.

Following the shrine visit, the *chigo* is regarded as a "divine messenger" and is no longer permitted to touch the ground with his feet during ceremonial events. Kotaro Hase left the main hall carried on the shoulders of a man known as a *gōriki* (strongman).