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Niinamesai (First Fruit Harvest)
The Emperor's sacred rice harvest ceremony — offering the first fruits to the kami.
📅 November 23
✦ Why It Matters
Niinamesai is one of the most sacred Shinto ceremonies — the Emperor personally offers newly harvested rice and sake to the kami of heaven and earth. One of the most ancient Japanese rituals, dating to at least the Kojiki.
✦ How It Is Observed
The Emperor performs the ceremony at the Imperial Palace. At shrines nationwide, priests conduct harvest thanksgiving rituals offering newly harvested grains, sake, and seasonal vegetables.
✦ Sacred Text
“With sincerity we offer these first fruits to the great kami of heaven and earth. May the harvest be bountiful.”
— Nihon Shoki ↗