William A “gomaki” (護摩木) is not something you’re likely to confront in everyday life: it’s that little stick upon which Shinto priests inscribe prayers and promptly burn in the belief that said prayer will take the express elevator to heaven (but at least you don’t have to swallow it, as Catholics must do with the offering). Aso Shrine in Ichinomiyamachi yesterday conducted this festival. Questions of belief are irrelevant here. What is is the tradition of ancestors and subsequent respect. https://kumanichi.com/articles/549326