‘Aenokoto’ Harvest Gratitude Ritual Held in Noto Peninsula; Ceremony to Welcome Agriculture Deity Was Named Intangible Cultural Heritage asset in 2009

The Yomiuri Shimbun

13:28 JST, December 6, 2024

WAJIMA, Ishikawa — “Aenokoto,” a traditional agsricultural ritual to welcome the deity of agriculture and express gratitude for the harvest, was held on Thursday in the Mii district of Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, which was struck by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake on Jan. 1 this year.

A 74-year-old man, serving as the master of the ritual, invited the deity from the rice field into the building where the ritual was held, behaving as though the invisible spirit were really present. He then served up a bunch of food to the invisible deity. In February, prayers will be offered to send the deity to the fields and ensure a good harvest.

The word “Aenokoto,” which means ritual for hospitality, was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage asset by UNESCO in 2009.