Choyo Shinji and Karasu Sumo

What Are Choyo Shinji and Karasu Sumo?

September 9th is the day "Choyo Shinji and Karasu Sumo" is held at Kamigamo Shrine (formally Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine) in Kita Ward, Kyoto City. On Choyo, the day when nine, the largest of the "yang" odd numbers, doubles up, chrysanthemum blossoms are offered at the main hall to pray for good health, followed by the ceremonial offering of "Karasu Sumo" (crow sumo).

A Unique Ritual Sumo Rooted in the Legend of the Eight-Span Crow

This uniquely named ritual carries a history distinctive to Kamigamo Shrine.

• The origin of Karasu Sumo: said to combine the legend of Kamotaketsunumi-no-Mikoto, grandfather of the shrine's enshrined deity, who transformed into the eight-span crow Yatagarasu to guide Emperor Jinmu's eastern expedition, with sumo wrestling performed to ward off evil spirits and pray for a bountiful harvest
• How the ritual unfolds: two ritual officiants called "tone," dressed in white and carrying bows and arrows, first hop sideways like crows while calling out "kaa-kaa-kaa" and "koo-koo-koo"; then, as the Saio-dai (the festival's priestess representative) looks on, children offer sumo matches as a ritual dedication
• Its connection to the Choyo Festival: held on Choyo no Sekku, one of Japan's five seasonal festivals. Because drinking chrysanthemum sake on this day is said to bring long life, chrysanthemum sake is served to visitors

Children Take Center Stage in Carrying On This Tradition

The wrestlers who step onto the ring for Karasu Sumo are local children. Passed down across generations, this ritual serves as an important opportunity to carry traditional culture forward to the next generation.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Learn about the Choyo Shinji and Karasu Sumo ritual at Kamigamo Shrine
• Learn about the legends of Yatagarasu and Kamotaketsunumi-no-Mikoto
• Experience chrysanthemum-related customs and food culture tied to the Choyo Festival
• Visit Kamigamo Shrine in person if you have the chance

An Autumn Ritual of the Ancient Capital, Carried On With the Scent of Chrysanthemums

Praying for good health with chrysanthemum blossoms, then having children offer a sumo match -- this ritual passed down at Kamigamo Shrine carries within it Kyoto's long history and community bonds. Let September 9th be a chance to reflect on this traditional event, carried on alongside the Choyo Festival.