About this event
Niinamesai is also called "Shinjosai," where "nii" means newly harvested grain and "name" means feast. This festival involves offering newly harvested grains and other produce to express gratitude for the blessings received. Offerings and treasure ships made of vegetables dedicated from across the country are presented to celebrate abundance. Niinamesai stands in paired relation to the Toshigoeno-matsuri on February 17, which prays for abundant five grains; at the Imperial Palace, the Emperor offers newly harvested grains to the deities with gratitude and partakes in them himself. Its origins are ancient, with the Kojiki recording that Amaterasu Omikami conducted Niinamesai. Today, it has become the national holiday known as "Labor Thanksgiving Day," and the name of this holiday is said to originate from honoring the labor required to receive the sustenance of life from the deities and thanking one another. At Meiji Jingu Shrine, the celebration includes offerings from around the country and treasure ships made of vegetables.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Meiji Jingu Shrine
1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8557
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