A Japanese archery tournament was held on the grounds of Kawasaki Daishi Temple to celebrate the unveiling of a treasured Buddhist image

People drawing bows at a dedication archery competition

I came to Kawasaki Daishi because I heard that the unveiling of the treasured Buddhist image is dedicated once every 10 years. The main image of the temple, which is usually not open to the public, is only open to the public for one month once every ten years. I had to go. Although I came to the temple more out of curiosity than piety, the temple grounds were unusually crowded. It was not until I arrived that I realized there were far more people interested in the unveiling than I had expected.

The reins connected to the main image were set up on the memorial tower in front of the main hall, and everyone touched them one by one. It is said that by touching the reins, one can form a close bond with the main image. In addition to this procession, there was a long line of people waiting to receive "akafuda," a special talisman given only at this time of the ceremony. The temple grounds were lined with food stalls, making it look like a festival.

The akafuda giving was not the only event held in conjunction with the unveiling. A Japanese archery competition was held in a specially set up archery dojo in a corner of the temple grounds. Many people dressed in white kimono and hakama were lined up in a row drawing bows. I did not understand the details, but the event seemed to be going on without much fanfare. Satisfied with watching people draw bows, I did not touch the reins in front of the main hall and went home without receiving an akafuda.

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