Photography is prohibited beyond the torii. After finishing up this audio guide, let’s shut off our smartphones and focus on our pilgrimage.

Enshrined ahead is Toyouke-Omikami. Whereas Amaterasu-Omikami is an ancestor to the emperor, Toyouke-Omikami is more familiar to commonfolk, as she presides over not only food, but the the basic necessities of clothing and shelter as well. And so, she’s familiar to people in all sorts of industries as a “guardian god” of sorts .

“Two bows, two claps, one bow” is the etiquette for a prayer. Two bows with your back bent at 90 degrees. Next, two claps, followed by bringing your hands together for a prayer. Some even say that the “hands hold the bell of the soul, with gratitude producing its most beautiful tone.” After one last deep bow, let’s continue on our journey.

The fact that Higoto-asa-yu-omike-sai ritual has not been missed once in the last 1500 years, makes it clear that it’s an important ritual indeed. This is perhaps because this ritual carries the weight of one wish: “not allowing Japan as a country to end”.

The food prepared in Higoto-asa-yu-omike-sai is not a mere offering. It’s the expression of gratitude: “Today has been made like yesterday all thanks to the gods”. The food offered includes rice, fish, seaweed, vegetables, fruit, salt, water, and sake (rice wine). Offering sake last reflects a healthy order of eating, balanced in nutrition. This is the basis of the Japanese diet, whereas preparing these offerings is the foundation of Japanese daily life. Perhaps this ritual reflects what the idea of what Japanese people should be—both unchanged in the last 1500 years.

Being able to make this offering is evidence that the Japanese people are able to eat. Thus, the continuation of Higoto-asa-yu-omike-sai perhaps ensures the continuation of the Japanese nation and the happiness of its people after all.

To be continued.