On January 4, 2025, Shimogamo Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City held the annual New Year's "Kemari Hajime" (first kemari game). Men and women in colorful costumes kicked balls into the air with graceful footwork.
Kemari was introduced to Japan during the Asuka period, and became popular among aristocrats during the Heian period. The proper way to kick the ball is to make it easy for the other person to receive it, and on this day every year at Shimogamo Shrine, the Kemari Preservation Society makes an offering.
A 10-meter square ball court was set up in the grounds of Shimogamo Shrine, and eight people in hakama formed a circle and took turns kicking a deerskin ball while yelling "ari," "yaa," and "ou." When a team continued kicking the ball for a long time without it falling to the ground, applause and cheers erupted from the worshippers.
