Kirk with an update regarding the rules that govern the treatment of horses in tomorrow’s festival (Sunday, the 17th). This is part of a document called “藤崎八旛宮例大祭の注意事項” (Rules pertaining to the Fujisaki Hachimangu Reitaisai) and it was issued last year by the “藤崎八旛宮飾馬奉納団体奉賛会” (Committee to Support the Presentation of Decorated Horses to Fujisaki Hachimangu).
In regard to the question of how one cannot treat the horses, it says that they cannot be abused under any circumstances (zettai ni) and, in parentheses, lists hitting a horse and hanging from a horse’s mane as prohibited kinds of treatment. My personal opinion is that it’s good that people are told that the horses may not be abused but this strikes me as rather weak. One problem is that this statement is prefaced with something that means “Agreements made with the police and animal rights groups.” Well, I understand that there have been discussions with animal rights groups and the police but is it really necessary to include words indicating that such-and-such is in response to complaints from these two entities? It gives me the impression that they are saying “this isn’t coming from us.” Another problem I see is that the issue of making horses kick their rear legs (後ろ蹴り) isn’t mentioned. The statement is so brief that there’s a good deal of room, in my view, for interpretation.
What I have written here are my views alone. I would like to recognize that I’ve gotten help from a friend who had a copy of the rules, which are not on the internet. Thanks! I haven’t named that person here because I don’t want to cause them any trouble (“Why’d you show that guy the rules?” etc). Nonetheless, I’m very appreciative.