Akiko Matsuura, a 22-year-old office worker living in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, has been chosen as the 66th Saioudai of the Aoi Festival, one of Kyoto's three major festivals. The Aoi Festival Parade Preservation Society (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City) made the announcement on April 11, 2024 at a hotel in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City.

Akiko Matsuura, chosen as the 66th Saiodai (April 11th, at a hotel in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City)

On May 15th, during the Aoi Festival procession, the Saio Dynasty rode a special palanquin known as the ''Oyoyo'' from the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City) to the Shimogamo Shrine (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City) and Kamigamo Shrine (Kita Ward, Kyoto City). It was rebuilt in 1956 following the example of the Imperial Prince Saio, who once served both Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine.