Regarding the "Special Shrine Citizens" who will be carrying out the Takihara Shrine Tree Pulling Ceremony for the 63rd Grand Shrine Shikinen Sengu Ceremony

On Sunday, April 12, 2026, the 63rd Grand Shrine of Ise Shikinen Sengu Takiharamiya Wood-pulling Ceremony will be held, in which timber will be donated to Takiharanomiya and Takiharano Narabinomiya, branch shrines of the Imperial Grand Shrine of Ise, located in Takihara, Taiki Town.

This "Okihiki" is a folk event led by the residents of Taiki Town, who are former residents of the shrine's territory. They load timber for the imperial sect onto two offering carts and offer them to Takihara Shrine. Wearing matching happi coats, they slowly parade down the old Kumano Highway to the sounds of chants of "En'ya!" and lumbering songs.

The Taiki Town Tourism Association had been recruiting "special Shinryo citizens" to participate in this "Mikihiki Ceremony," but due to the overwhelming number of applications, we have reached our capacity and have had to close the recruitment.

Thank you very much to everyone who applied.

We would like to serve you together on this special day that only comes once every 20 years. Thank you for your continued support.