Taga Taisha Shrine Koreisai (Kochi Kochi Sumo)

About this event

At Taga Taisha Shrine in Taga Town, Shiga Prefecture, the ritual sumo 'Kochi Kochi Sumo,' dedicated during the autumn festival 'Koreisai' held on the Double Ninth Festival (Choyo no Sekku, September 9) to pray for a bountiful harvest, is performed in commemoration of the ancient legend where the Inukami clan, the priestly family of Taga Taisha, slew Yamata no Orochi at Mt. Ibuki. It is said to have originated from sumo bouts between boys of Nakagawara Village and Takamiya Village; today, young men from the shrine's parishioners still divide into East and West for a best-of-three match. It is believed that a victory by the East guarantees a rich harvest, serving also as divination for agricultural fortune. Unfolding on the dohyo ring set up within the shrine grounds, this traditional sumo is a precious sacred ritual filled with local heritage and prayers for fertility.

Venue

Taga Taisha Shrine

604 Taga, Taga-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga 522-0341