Забег коней Отомоума в Кикуме – традиция 600 лет | Святилище Камо, Имабари, Эхиме

I'll stream it with all I've got! Please support me by subscribing. Shikoku Channel – Jun Kono, bringing you wonderful Shikoku! The Otomouma run is a traditional event with about 600 years of history, dedicated at the autumn grand festival (Kikuma Festival) of Kamo Shrine in Kikuma, Imabari City, Ehime. It is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Ehime Prefecture. Overview The run Boys aged about 5 to 15, called noriko, ride horses dressed in festival saddles and colorful ornaments. They gallop up the roughly 300-meter approach to the shrine to the spirited call of “Hoiyaa, hoiyaa!” Because the horses accompany the portable shrine (mikoshi) in procession to its resting place, they are called otomouma, “escort horses.” Practice The noriko practice for several weeks before the festival. On the day, they make run after run throughout the morning. Passing on the tradition The event is preserved by local residents, who also care for the horses. There are also efforts to give retired horses a new place to shine. Highlights The sight of horse and boy racing up the approach as one is bold and graceful, captivating many spectators. The beauty of the decorated horses is another highlight.