7年後の遷宮に向けて伊勢神宮で御木曳始まる　内宮前の五十鈴川では市民らが御用材を運ぶ川曳 (26/04/12 18:15)

The process of transporting timber to Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture has begun in preparation for the Shikinen Sengu (periodic rebuilding of the shrine) seven years from now. Every 20 years, Ise Grand Shrine undergoes the Shikinen Sengu, a ceremony in which the shrine buildings are rebuilt and the sacred object is moved to the new location. On the 12th, the "Mikihiki Hajime-shiki" (first ceremony of the Mikihiki), marking the start of the Mikihiki process for transporting timber to Ise Grand Shrine for the rebuilding of the shrine buildings, was held at the Inner Shrine. On the Isuzu River in front of the Inner Shrine, the "Kawabiki" (river pulling) took place, with citizens dressed in matching costumes pulling two ropes with powerful shouts to carry five cypress timbers to the Inner Shrine. The Mikihiki process will continue for two years, and on the 13th, the "Rikubiki" (land pulling) will take place, transporting the timber to the Outer Shrine.