SHIMOSUWA, Nagano -- A rare Shinto "porridge ritual" to predict the state of society and harvests for the year was held from the night of Jan. 14 to early next morning, coinciding with the ...

Ageuma Shinji, a Shinto ritual, is held at the shrine on ... According to local residents, in the past festivals, horses were forced to take stimulants, drink sake or were kicked in the lower ...

Horses take center stage in the ancient capital's events, such as two May festivals—Aoi Matsuri boasting ornate historical attire and the 1,200-year-old Fujinomori-sai. A trick called Under the ...

Alcoholic drinks have long played a vital role in Japanese culture, such as in Shinto rituals and festivals. Join us as we review the story, learn about the essential ingredient that is koji and ...