Kyoto's annual Aoi Matsuri procession held for first time in four years

The procession of the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three traditional festivals, is being held for the first time in four years on Tuesday.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko, who are now visiting Japan's ancient capital, are among the grand procession's many spectators.

The Aoi Matsuri dates back about 1,400 years. The annual festival is thought to have originated when the emperor performed rites to appease deities who were believed to have caused poor harvests. It is intended to pray for bountiful crops.

The festival features a procession of about 500 people in aristocrat costumes from the Heian era. The participants have "aoi," or hollyhock, leaves pinned to their clothing.

Matsui Haruna, a Kyoto corporate worker, is playing the main role of the Imperial Princess. Before the start of the procession, she said her 12-layered kimono was very heavy, but she would brave the weight and do her best.

The procession left the Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30 a.m. It is slowly making its way toward two Shinto shrines, where rituals will take place.

The procession was suspended for the past three years due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was supposed to take place on Monday but was delayed a day due to rain.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230516_15/