The Fujisaki Shrine Autumn Festival (colloquially known as “Boshita Matsuri,” or, in my house, “the horsey festival”) has announced that the entrant number has been halved from 65 last year to 35 this due to difficulties encountered due to the quakes. In addition, a planning conference has established three prohibitions for this year to demonstrate restraint in view of the victims: 1. Outdoor practice; 2. Leading horses around neighborhoods to gather contributions; and 3. Alcohol consumption during the event.
One commented that the prohibition on soliciting donations was a main reason for the reduced number of entrants, saying “If we cannot visit between three and five hundred shops and companies to raise funds, we cannot take part.” Shrine officials have expressed understanding of financial difficulties and have promised to share with each group revenues from festival-day sales to help defray costs. - William