Photo= Yokozuna Kakuryu performing the dedication of the ring-entering ceremony on the sand patch in the precincts (Kamigamo Shrine, Kita Ward, Kyoto City)

The ring-entering ceremony, "Dohyo-iri," performed by a "Yokozuna," or a sumo grand champion, was held at Kamigamo Shrine in Kita Ward, Kyoto City, for the first time in 75 years on October 18. Yokozuna Kakuryu, who had a sumo wrestling match at the Ozumo Kyoto-basho tournament on the same day, performed a powerful, Unryu style stamping ritual. His performance wowed the approximately 10,000 spectators who gathered there to see him.

The ring-entering ritual was dedicated at Kamigamo Shrine for the last time in 1940, performed by the then Yokozuna Futabayama along with other sumo wrestlers. This time, the Sho Sengu ceremony of Kamigamo Shrine coincided with the Kyoto-basho sumo tournament, leading to the sumo performance at the shrine again this year. "Sho Sengu" is the final stage of "Shikinen Sengu," or rebuilding a shrine once every predetermined number of years, which is held once every 21 years for Kamigamo Shrine.

The ring entering ceremony was performed on the sand patch called "Tatesuna," set out in front of the Hosodono hall, where a sacred rite called "Karasu-zumo" takes place in this shrine every year. Clapping their hands, the spectators enthusiastically welcomed Kakuryu, who showed up accompanied by two sumo wrestlers, Ikioi as "Tachimochi," or attendant with the title literally meaning "sword carrier," and Seiro as "Tsuyubarai," or attendant. They also shouted "Yoisho!" every time Kakuryu stamped the ground with his feet.