The third procession features Imperial dancers who will perform for the gods, as well as the star of the entire parade, “Konoe-shidai,” the representative of the Imperial messenger.

Said messenger is known as the “Chokushi.” His role is to relay the Emperor’s words to the gods. The Chokushi is sometimes also called the “Konoe-shi,” or “Imperial Guard Messenger,” because he is a lieutenant-general of the guard. Nowadays, the Chokushi performs his duty at the Shatō-no-Gi ceremony, while his representative, the Konoe-shidai, marches with the Rotō-no-Gi parade. The Konoe-shidai holds the highest rank across all processions, making him the de facto main figure of the Rotō-no-Gi parade, a fact reflected by his attire. The Heian Period court was divided into nine ranks, differentiated by the color of their clothes. Additionally, higher ranks came with the perk of wearing more ornately patterned attire. This allowed people to easily understand the rank at a glance. The Konoe-shidai is the only one in the entire parade clad in black, symbolizing the highest rank.

Bodyguards akin to modern-day security personnel trail behind the konoe-shidai. And behind them follow the “fūryūgasa,” lavishly ornamented umbrellas that liven up the parade and serve as props to further highlight the Konoe-shidai.

Finally, when the Konoe-shidai enters the shrine, he passes the role on to the Chokushi, the Imperial messenger. The Chokushi then offers the Emperor’s prayers for peace across the nation, as well as other artifact offerings. This is how the Rotō-no-Gi parade progresses into the Shatō-no-Gi ceremony.