On August 6, 2026—the eve of *Risshu* (the start of autumn)—the traditional "Nagoshi Shinji" ritual took place at Shimogamo Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. Bare-chested men engaged in a fierce scramble for fifty *igushi* (sacred ritual skewers) planted in the shrine's Mitarashi Pond.
The event is based on a legend involving the enshrined deity Tamayori-hime-no-Mikoto; it is said that she became pregnant and gave birth to Kamo-wake-ikazuchi-no-Kami after finding and bringing home an arrow from the Kamo River. The ritual is performed to pray for good health and freedom from illness. The *igushi* are believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil; because they are shaped like arrows, the event is also known as the "Yatori Shinji" (Arrow-Retrieving Ritual).
Around 7:20 p.m., a group of about 40 men—including shrine parishioners, devotees, and students from Rakuhoku High School (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)—lined up along the illuminated pond, chanting "Essa, essa." As Shinto priests began tossing countless *hitogata* (paper effigies representing worshippers) into the pond, the men plunged vigorously into the water, aiming for the sacred skewers. The scene created a mystical spectacle as the men—boldly jostling one another and sending up sprays of water—and the yellow paper effigies flying through the air stood out against the darkness.
