★Questionnaire to the answer from Suwa Taisha shrine.
February 6, 2017
★Questionnaire to the answer from Suwa Taisha shrine.
To Mr. Kazutaka Kitajima
Representative officer
Suwa Taisha Shrine
From Yui Akiko
Representative
Inuneko Kyusainowa, TNR Japan Animal Welfare Hospital
Thank you so much for your answer dated at January 30.
I appreciate your sincere answer during such a busy time.
Mr.Kitajima said that frog hunting is an important Shinto ritual of Suwa Taisha Shrine and it has been handed down since ancient times. It is a very important ceremonial rite which should be continued.
Suwa Taisha has 25,000 shrines in Japan and you are the general head office.
I hear that there are many believers, domestically as well as overseas.
Therefore we expect your detailed explanation about frog hunting to the general public, not only Ujiko (Shrine Parishners).
As you know, we are in an era where transparency and openness are ensured everywhere, not only for related organizations.
I hope you can be as open as possible with this information, fulfilling expectations of accountability.
Below are questions concerning this matter.
We appreciate your sincere answer.
You answered with a definition of Mitarai river as a pure flow in the precincts.
Are there any reasons why you did the frog hunting outside of the river until last year?
2) Please explain in detail how you capture the frog, how you kill, and how log it takes.
3) You answered that only the Ujiko know how to get the frog.
But your Shinto ritual frog hunting, one of seven wonders since ancient times, is to dig up a hibernating frog in the Mitarai River.
I think there is a discrepancy in your information.
4) Shinto ritual frog hunting is a service of Ujiko.
Can you tell me who the organizer is, and who bears responsibility?
5) I think there is an executive committee or steering committee directing the sacrificial Shinto ritual frog hunting. Can you explain this porcess for us?
And last, please tell me if you can verify any plans for review of future Shinto rituals?
Please answer to these questions by the end of February.
Thank you very much.
★Questionnaire to the answer from Suwa Taisha shrine.
To Mr. Kazutaka Kitajima
Representative officer
Suwa Taisha Shrine
From Yui Akiko
Representative
Inuneko Kyusainowa, TNR Japan Animal Welfare Hospital
Thank you so much for your answer dated at January 30.
I appreciate your sincere answer during such a busy time.
Mr.Kitajima said that frog hunting is an important Shinto ritual of Suwa Taisha Shrine and it has been handed down since ancient times. It is a very important ceremonial rite which should be continued.
Suwa Taisha has 25,000 shrines in Japan and you are the general head office.
I hear that there are many believers, domestically as well as overseas.
Therefore we expect your detailed explanation about frog hunting to the general public, not only Ujiko (Shrine Parishners).
As you know, we are in an era where transparency and openness are ensured everywhere, not only for related organizations.
I hope you can be as open as possible with this information, fulfilling expectations of accountability.
Below are questions concerning this matter.
We appreciate your sincere answer.
You answered with a definition of Mitarai river as a pure flow in the precincts.
Are there any reasons why you did the frog hunting outside of the river until last year?
2) Please explain in detail how you capture the frog, how you kill, and how log it takes.
3) You answered that only the Ujiko know how to get the frog.
But your Shinto ritual frog hunting, one of seven wonders since ancient times, is to dig up a hibernating frog in the Mitarai River.
I think there is a discrepancy in your information.
4) Shinto ritual frog hunting is a service of Ujiko.
Can you tell me who the organizer is, and who bears responsibility?
5) I think there is an executive committee or steering committee directing the sacrificial Shinto ritual frog hunting. Can you explain this porcess for us?
And last, please tell me if you can verify any plans for review of future Shinto rituals?
Please answer to these questions by the end of February.
Thank you very much.
☆Answer from Suwa Taisha shrine.
February 5, 2017
☆Answer from Suwa Taisha shrine.
Below blue sections are the answers from Suwa Taisha Shrine,
To Mr. Kazutaka Kitajima
Representative officer
Suwa Taisha Shrine
From Yui Akiko
Representative
Inuneko Kyusainowa, TNR Japan Animal Welfare Hospital
Dear Sir,
We have been asking for the abolition of the Shinto ritual sacrifice (frog hunting) and for the use of a substitute.
We have received some information from Ujiko (Shrine Parishners).
However as we want to be sure we have correct information, we would like to ask you some questions.
We would appreciate your answers.
As you have received subsidies from the government of over 60 million yen in 2014, we believe it is incumbent on you to answer such questions by and for the citizenry.
We would appreciate it if you could provide written answers by the end of January.
Questions;
1) This year, Shinto ritual frog hunting was done in another place, not, as usual, Mitarai river, and was not open to the public.
However some Ujiko (Shrine Parishioners) wrote in their blog that it was cancelled this year. Have you done the Shinto ritual frog hunting this year? If you have abolished it, there would be no further need for the protest activities. Thus, we need your accurate confirmation.
＊The following questions are relevant if you will continue the Shinto ritual frog hunting.
⇒Answer: We conducted Shinto ritual frog hunting this year.
2) In the letter from you dated at September 17, 2015, you wrote the following;
You said that the frog hunting is mentioned as being among the seven wonders in the historical material of the Kamakura era, (1185-1333), “Suwa Jyosya Butsukirei”.
Also in the engisho, (historical records book), of Muromachi era, (1338-1573), “Suwa Daimyojin Ekotoba”, it states that it has been important since ancient times to hunt the frogs in the Mitarai river, as a traditional Shinto ritual. “
If you are still doing Shinto ritual frog hunting, please tell us exactly where you have done it last year and this year.
⇒Answer: The Mitarai river is considered to have a quality of pure flow. The “frog hunt” on January 1 has continued without change since ancient times. We can’t tell you the exact place as it is on private property.
3) How did you get the frogs last year and this year?
One Ujiko (Shrine Parishner) told us that you used “farmed frogs”. Is this true?
Also someone told us before that frogs will be brought from somewhere in a plastic case. Please tell us how you get frogs.
⇒Answer: Frog hunting is performed as a service of Ujiko (Shrine Parishnersw). We don’t know how they get frogs.
4) In the school systems of UK, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Denmark and France, dissection of frogs is prohibited by law.
Also they abolished rituals using creatures, and instead use substitute items.
Still Suwa Taisha shrine is going to do the ritual frog hunting?
Is there any possibility of considering it’s abolition, or the use of substitutes?
⇒Answer: Frog hunting is an important Shinto ritual of Suwa Taisha Shrine that has been handed down since ancient times. It is a very important ceremonial rite, the practice of which we should continue.
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
Denmark bans kosher and halal slaughter as minister says ‘animal rights come before religion’
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/denmark-bans-halal-and-kosher-slaughter-as-minister-says-animal-rights-come-before-religion-9135580.html
☆Answer from Suwa Taisha shrine.
Below blue sections are the answers from Suwa Taisha Shrine,
To Mr. Kazutaka Kitajima
Representative officer
Suwa Taisha Shrine
From Yui Akiko
Representative
Inuneko Kyusainowa, TNR Japan Animal Welfare Hospital
Dear Sir,
We have been asking for the abolition of the Shinto ritual sacrifice (frog hunting) and for the use of a substitute.
We have received some information from Ujiko (Shrine Parishners).
However as we want to be sure we have correct information, we would like to ask you some questions.
We would appreciate your answers.
As you have received subsidies from the government of over 60 million yen in 2014, we believe it is incumbent on you to answer such questions by and for the citizenry.
We would appreciate it if you could provide written answers by the end of January.
Questions;
1) This year, Shinto ritual frog hunting was done in another place, not, as usual, Mitarai river, and was not open to the public.
However some Ujiko (Shrine Parishioners) wrote in their blog that it was cancelled this year. Have you done the Shinto ritual frog hunting this year? If you have abolished it, there would be no further need for the protest activities. Thus, we need your accurate confirmation.
＊The following questions are relevant if you will continue the Shinto ritual frog hunting.
⇒Answer: We conducted Shinto ritual frog hunting this year.
2) In the letter from you dated at September 17, 2015, you wrote the following;
You said that the frog hunting is mentioned as being among the seven wonders in the historical material of the Kamakura era, (1185-1333), “Suwa Jyosya Butsukirei”.
Also in the engisho, (historical records book), of Muromachi era, (1338-1573), “Suwa Daimyojin Ekotoba”, it states that it has been important since ancient times to hunt the frogs in the Mitarai river, as a traditional Shinto ritual. “
If you are still doing Shinto ritual frog hunting, please tell us exactly where you have done it last year and this year.
⇒Answer: The Mitarai river is considered to have a quality of pure flow. The “frog hunt” on January 1 has continued without change since ancient times. We can’t tell you the exact place as it is on private property.
3) How did you get the frogs last year and this year?
One Ujiko (Shrine Parishner) told us that you used “farmed frogs”. Is this true?
Also someone told us before that frogs will be brought from somewhere in a plastic case. Please tell us how you get frogs.
⇒Answer: Frog hunting is performed as a service of Ujiko (Shrine Parishnersw). We don’t know how they get frogs.
4) In the school systems of UK, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Denmark and France, dissection of frogs is prohibited by law.
Also they abolished rituals using creatures, and instead use substitute items.
Still Suwa Taisha shrine is going to do the ritual frog hunting?
Is there any possibility of considering it’s abolition, or the use of substitutes?
⇒Answer: Frog hunting is an important Shinto ritual of Suwa Taisha Shrine that has been handed down since ancient times. It is a very important ceremonial rite, the practice of which we should continue.
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
Denmark bans kosher and halal slaughter as minister says ‘animal rights come before religion’
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/denmark-bans-halal-and-kosher-slaughter-as-minister-says-animal-rights-come-before-religion-9135580.html
☆We sent a questionnaire to Suwa Taisha shrine.
January 8, 2017
☆We sent a questionnaire to Suwa Taisha shrine.
To Mr.Kazutaka Kitajima
Representative officer
Suwa Taisha Shrine
From Yui Akiko
Representative
Inuneko Kyusainowa, TNR Japan Animal Welfare Hospital
Dear Sir,
We have been asking for the abolition of the Shinto ritual sacrifice (frog hunting) and for the use of a substitute.
We have received some information from Ujiko (Shrine Parishners).
However as we want to be sure we have correct information, we would like to ask you some questions.
We would appreciate your answers.
As you have received subsidies from the government of over 60 million yen in 2014, we believe it is incumbent on you to answer such questions by and for the citizenry.
We would appreciate it if you could provide written answers by the end of January.
Questions;
This year, Shinto ritual frog hunting was done in another place, not usual Mitarai river, and was not open to the public.
However some Ujiko (Shrine Parishioners) wrote in their blog that it was cancelled this year. Have you done the Shinto ritual frog hunting this year? If you have abolished it, there would be no further need for the protest activities. Thus, we need your accurate confirmation.
＊The following questions are relevant if you will continue the Shinto ritual frog hunting.
2) In the letter from you dated at September 17, 2015, you wrote the following;
You said that the frog hunting is mentioned as being among the seven wonders in the historical material of the Kamakura era, (1185-1333), “Suwa Jyosya Butsukirei”.
Also in the engisho, (historical records book), of Muromachi era, (1338-1573), “Suwa Daimyojin Ekotoba”, it states that it has been important since ancient times to hunt the frogs in the Mitarai river, as a traditional Shinto ritual. “
If you are still doing Shinto ritual frog hunting, please tell us exactly where you have done it last year and this year.
3) How did you get the frogs last year and this year?
One Ujiko (Shrine Parishner) told us that you used “farmed frogs”. Is this true?
Also someone told us before that frogs will be brought from somewhere in a plastic case. Please tell us how you get frogs.
4) In the school educatIon of UK, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Denmark and France, dissection of frogs is prohibited by law.
Also they abolished rituals using creatures, and instead use substitute items.
Still Suwa Taisha shrine is going to do the ritual frog hunting?
Is there any possibility of considering it’s abolition, or the use of substitutes?
Thank you so much.
☆We sent a questionnaire to Suwa Taisha shrine.
To Mr.Kazutaka Kitajima
Representative officer
Suwa Taisha Shrine
From Yui Akiko
Representative
Inuneko Kyusainowa, TNR Japan Animal Welfare Hospital
Dear Sir,
We have been asking for the abolition of the Shinto ritual sacrifice (frog hunting) and for the use of a substitute.
We have received some information from Ujiko (Shrine Parishners).
However as we want to be sure we have correct information, we would like to ask you some questions.
We would appreciate your answers.
As you have received subsidies from the government of over 60 million yen in 2014, we believe it is incumbent on you to answer such questions by and for the citizenry.
We would appreciate it if you could provide written answers by the end of January.
Questions;
This year, Shinto ritual frog hunting was done in another place, not usual Mitarai river, and was not open to the public.
However some Ujiko (Shrine Parishioners) wrote in their blog that it was cancelled this year. Have you done the Shinto ritual frog hunting this year? If you have abolished it, there would be no further need for the protest activities. Thus, we need your accurate confirmation.
＊The following questions are relevant if you will continue the Shinto ritual frog hunting.
2) In the letter from you dated at September 17, 2015, you wrote the following;
You said that the frog hunting is mentioned as being among the seven wonders in the historical material of the Kamakura era, (1185-1333), “Suwa Jyosya Butsukirei”.
Also in the engisho, (historical records book), of Muromachi era, (1338-1573), “Suwa Daimyojin Ekotoba”, it states that it has been important since ancient times to hunt the frogs in the Mitarai river, as a traditional Shinto ritual. “
If you are still doing Shinto ritual frog hunting, please tell us exactly where you have done it last year and this year.
3) How did you get the frogs last year and this year?
One Ujiko (Shrine Parishner) told us that you used “farmed frogs”. Is this true?
Also someone told us before that frogs will be brought from somewhere in a plastic case. Please tell us how you get frogs.
4) In the school educatIon of UK, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Denmark and France, dissection of frogs is prohibited by law.
Also they abolished rituals using creatures, and instead use substitute items.
Still Suwa Taisha shrine is going to do the ritual frog hunting?
Is there any possibility of considering it’s abolition, or the use of substitutes?
Thank you so much.
☆Suwa Taisha shrine were not able to capture and kill the frog openly.
January 3, 2017
☆Suwa Taisha shrine were not able to capture and kill the frog openly.
From the blog of CAPIN.
http://ameblo.jp/capin-blog/theme2-10075794220.html
Suwa Taisha shrine were not able to capture and kill the frog openly.
We held the demonstration from 23:30pm on December 31 to 01:00am, January 1.
We chanted and called out to the passersby.
Many people stopped and listened to us.
On January 1, we held a demonstration from 7:30am to 9:30am at Mitarai river, where the Shinto ritual was performed until the year before last.
We wore frog costumes, and had balloons, placards and banners.
There was a standing signboard, and a rope (from last year).
※Translation;
It is forbidden to pass leaflets, or use signboards, banners, costumes, and voice opinions, which obstruct the Shinto ritual and worship.
Suwa Taisha shrine.
There were some police and Ujiko (Shrine parishioners).
There were less Ujiko than last year.
We had a permit from the Suwa police department for the demonstration.
We did this action legally, and with dignity.
When we went into the Mitarai river, one Ujiko shouted to us not to go in.
But Mitarai river is public property, managed by Suwa-city, and anybody can go in.
We loudly told him this is a problem, that it’s illegal to put up the rope and forbid entry.
By the way, Suwa Taisha shrine had put the rope there until last year, but without a permit required by Suwa-city public management regulations.
Last year, we talked about that with Shinano Mainichi, a local newspaper publisher.
A journalist wrote a serialized report on Suwa Taisha shrine, but didn’t mention this problematic action by the shrine.
The year before last, the local media wrote an article to denounce entrance into the river.
We were surprised that they made no mention of people’s right to enter the river, and were uncritical of the superstitions of Suwa Taisha shrine.
At 9:30am, the rope to close the bridge was released.
This indicated that the Shinto ritual was finished.
Suwa Taisha shrine didn’t conduct the Shinto ritual openly, but finished “frog hunting” somewhere else, secretly.
Later on, we heard that they did it somewhere around the upper reaches of the river.
This year, we didn’t hear the sound of drums, and didn’t see the line of the Shinto priesthood.
For this Shinto ritual, they must conduct their enactment at Mitarai river, one of the “seven wonders”.
But they didn’t use the proper place, and having done it in secret, it was just the killing of a frog.
It is obvious that there is no longer the significance of true Shinto ritual.
If they don’t do it openly, it is meaningless to kill a real frog.
This year and last year, Ujiko said that there is meaning in killing.
I don’t understand.
What does it mean, that the effigy doesn’t work?
What does it mean, that there is meaning killing?
Why don’t we go the way of the non-killing?
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
From Act on Welfare and Management of Animals.
Article 1
The purpose of this act is to engender a spirit supportive of animal welfare among citizens, and to contribute to the development of a respect for life and sentiments of amity and peace, by providing for the prevention of cruelty to animals, the proper handling of animals and other matters concerning animal welfare, as well as to prevent animals from causing an infringement on the life, body or property of humans, by providing for matters concerning the management of animals.
Article 2
In light of the fact that animals are living beings, no person shall kill, injure, or inflict cruelty on animals without due cause, and every person shall treat animals properly by taking into account their natural habits, and giving consideration to the symbiosis between humans and animals.
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
From the blog of CAPIN.
http://ameblo.jp/capin-blog/theme2-10075794220.html
☆Suwa Taisha shrine were not able to capture and kill the frog openly.
From the blog of CAPIN.
http://ameblo.jp/capin-blog/theme2-10075794220.html
Suwa Taisha shrine were not able to capture and kill the frog openly.
We held the demonstration from 23:30pm on December 31 to 01:00am, January 1.
We chanted and called out to the passersby.
Many people stopped and listened to us.
On January 1, we held a demonstration from 7:30am to 9:30am at Mitarai river, where the Shinto ritual was performed until the year before last.
We wore frog costumes, and had balloons, placards and banners.
There was a standing signboard, and a rope (from last year).
※Translation;
It is forbidden to pass leaflets, or use signboards, banners, costumes, and voice opinions, which obstruct the Shinto ritual and worship.
Suwa Taisha shrine.
There were some police and Ujiko (Shrine parishioners).
There were less Ujiko than last year.
We had a permit from the Suwa police department for the demonstration.
We did this action legally, and with dignity.
When we went into the Mitarai river, one Ujiko shouted to us not to go in.
But Mitarai river is public property, managed by Suwa-city, and anybody can go in.
We loudly told him this is a problem, that it’s illegal to put up the rope and forbid entry.
By the way, Suwa Taisha shrine had put the rope there until last year, but without a permit required by Suwa-city public management regulations.
Last year, we talked about that with Shinano Mainichi, a local newspaper publisher.
A journalist wrote a serialized report on Suwa Taisha shrine, but didn’t mention this problematic action by the shrine.
The year before last, the local media wrote an article to denounce entrance into the river.
We were surprised that they made no mention of people’s right to enter the river, and were uncritical of the superstitions of Suwa Taisha shrine.
At 9:30am, the rope to close the bridge was released.
This indicated that the Shinto ritual was finished.
Suwa Taisha shrine didn’t conduct the Shinto ritual openly, but finished “frog hunting” somewhere else, secretly.
Later on, we heard that they did it somewhere around the upper reaches of the river.
This year, we didn’t hear the sound of drums, and didn’t see the line of the Shinto priesthood.
For this Shinto ritual, they must conduct their enactment at Mitarai river, one of the “seven wonders”.
But they didn’t use the proper place, and having done it in secret, it was just the killing of a frog.
It is obvious that there is no longer the significance of true Shinto ritual.
If they don’t do it openly, it is meaningless to kill a real frog.
This year and last year, Ujiko said that there is meaning in killing.
I don’t understand.
What does it mean, that the effigy doesn’t work?
What does it mean, that there is meaning killing?
Why don’t we go the way of the non-killing?
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
From Act on Welfare and Management of Animals.
Article 1
The purpose of this act is to engender a spirit supportive of animal welfare among citizens, and to contribute to the development of a respect for life and sentiments of amity and peace, by providing for the prevention of cruelty to animals, the proper handling of animals and other matters concerning animal welfare, as well as to prevent animals from causing an infringement on the life, body or property of humans, by providing for matters concerning the management of animals.
Article 2
In light of the fact that animals are living beings, no person shall kill, injure, or inflict cruelty on animals without due cause, and every person shall treat animals properly by taking into account their natural habits, and giving consideration to the symbiosis between humans and animals.
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
From the blog of CAPIN.
http://ameblo.jp/capin-blog/theme2-10075794220.html
☆Report, and thanks for protest action at Suwa Taisha shrine on New Year’s day 2017.
January 2, 2017
☆Report, and thanks for protest action at Suwa Taisha shrine on New Year’s day 2017.
Please stop cruel rituals involving the use of living creatures.
January 1st, 2017, we, Inuneko Kyusainowa, conducted a protest action at Suwa Taisha Shrine, along with other humane associations and volunteers.
We arranged the official permission from the authorities, and appealed legally.
Group demonstration action permit.
10 animal protection activists gathered.
They specialize in different animals, and represented a variety of animal rights activities.
But there was a common hope for using dolls or other effigies as substitutes for small living creatures (frogs), and for stopping the cruel ritual of skewering living frogs.
Suwa Taisha shrine didn’t perform the Shinto ritual “frog hunting” at Mitarai river as they had last year, but did it behind closed doors.
This is not Shinto ritual anymore.
The voices of approval for our cause are increasing.
We have so many supporting messages.
Thank you so much!
We also received e-mail from an Ujiko (Shrine parishioner).
We all have the same wish to greet the new year with joy.
However, there can not be happiness in the sacrifice of an animal.
What if you or your pet had to be sacrificed for Shinto ritual, how would you feel?
Would you happily offer your family for sacrifice?
Or perhaps some other life?
This time, we didn’t go into the river.
But last year, we heard that if women go into the river, the river becomes corrupt.
We hope for a society without discrimination and abuse of the weak.
We continue to protest this cruel Shinto ritual.
We’ll never give up, until the day when ritual slaughter disappears from Shinto practice.
We would appreciate further cooperation from all of you.
Akiko Yui
Representative
Inuneko Kyusainowa
January 1st, 2017
Here are the contents of our appeal.
The new year's day rite commonly known as “frog hunting” is a Shinto ritual involving skewering living frogs with a sharp stick.
We ask that they stop this cruel Shinto ritual, and use substitutes, such as dolls.
Bizarre murder cases involving the casual taking of human life are increasing.
Also abuse of weak, or vulnerable people is increasing year by year.
We have to stop it.
Overseas, events of “sacrifice", involving infliction of pain, and death of animals, are being abolished one by one.
We ask for your cooperation to realize “Japan without abuse”.
Thank you so much.
All the volunteers against the “frog hunting” Shinto ritual of the Suwa Taisha shrine.
☆Report, and thanks for protest action at Suwa Taisha shrine on New Year’s day 2017.
Please stop cruel rituals involving the use of living creatures.
January 1st, 2017, we, Inuneko Kyusainowa, conducted a protest action at Suwa Taisha Shrine, along with other humane associations and volunteers.
We arranged the official permission from the authorities, and appealed legally.
Group demonstration action permit.
10 animal protection activists gathered.
They specialize in different animals, and represented a variety of animal rights activities.
But there was a common hope for using dolls or other effigies as substitutes for small living creatures (frogs), and for stopping the cruel ritual of skewering living frogs.
Suwa Taisha shrine didn’t perform the Shinto ritual “frog hunting” at Mitarai river as they had last year, but did it behind closed doors.
This is not Shinto ritual anymore.
The voices of approval for our cause are increasing.
We have so many supporting messages.
Thank you so much!
We also received e-mail from an Ujiko (Shrine parishioner).
We all have the same wish to greet the new year with joy.
However, there can not be happiness in the sacrifice of an animal.
What if you or your pet had to be sacrificed for Shinto ritual, how would you feel?
Would you happily offer your family for sacrifice?
Or perhaps some other life?
This time, we didn’t go into the river.
But last year, we heard that if women go into the river, the river becomes corrupt.
We hope for a society without discrimination and abuse of the weak.
We continue to protest this cruel Shinto ritual.
We’ll never give up, until the day when ritual slaughter disappears from Shinto practice.
We would appreciate further cooperation from all of you.
Akiko Yui
Representative
Inuneko Kyusainowa
January 1st, 2017
Here are the contents of our appeal.
The new year's day rite commonly known as “frog hunting” is a Shinto ritual involving skewering living frogs with a sharp stick.
We ask that they stop this cruel Shinto ritual, and use substitutes, such as dolls.
Bizarre murder cases involving the casual taking of human life are increasing.
Also abuse of weak, or vulnerable people is increasing year by year.
We have to stop it.
Overseas, events of “sacrifice", involving infliction of pain, and death of animals, are being abolished one by one.
We ask for your cooperation to realize “Japan without abuse”.
Thank you so much.
All the volunteers against the “frog hunting” Shinto ritual of the Suwa Taisha shrine.
