On August 29, Shiozawa introduced Mr. Yuta Matsumoto, a competitive cyclist in mountain bike cross-country and an activist protecting Japan’s water sources, to the head priest of Yasaka Shrine, Mr. Nomura. Saarahat, who wholeheartedly supports Matsumoto, was also present.

Through his experience representing Japan at world competitions, Yuta Matsumoto reevaluated his country. As he explored what would be crucial for Japan’s future, he realized it was water resources.

He traveled across Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, investigating the actual state of water resources and came to realize the crisis facing Japan. This is because the reality exists where land rich in water resources is being purchased by foreign countries one after another.

Shiozawa advised that wherever there are water resources, there is always a shrine, and that ancient Japan’s unique faith and water share a profound connection.

Mr. Matsumoto shared event ideas with Chief Priest Nomura of Yasaka Shrine, such as collaborating bicycle road races with the shrine, hoping to raise awareness among the next generation about the importance of Japan’s water resources.

Chief Priest Nomura listened to him earnestly and encouraged Yuta Matsumoto, saying, “Please come again once you have a concrete plan for how Yasaka Shrine can assist.”

Shiozawa further discussed plans for a prayer ceremony at Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine to dedicate paintings to the Kumano Sanzan, and reported on the upcoming Nishijin-ori textile sales event scheduled to begin next January.

This November, we will depart from Yasaka Shrine to deliver the dedication paintings to the Kumano Sanzan (Three Grand Shrines of Kumano).