Purify and recharge your spirit for the summer!!
From ancient times, the Japanese people practiced 夏越之祓Nagoshi-no-Harae, a prayer to purify and to rid themselves of the first half of the year’s 厄難yakunan (illness, accident, fight etc…) or “bad luck” and kegare, or “withered spirit”. Over the course of the first half of the year, the energy of a person’s spirit is diminished by tiredness, stress, and other pressures, so Nagoshi-no-Harae rituals are performed every June to cleanse and refresh this energy and recharge the spirit. Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America provides these traditional ceremonies with mystic rituals that have been passed down through the generations of our family.
One such ritual is the use of 人形 hitogata on which have been written the mystic words, “十種神宝Tokusa-no-kamdakara.” Hitogata are slips of paper cut into the shape of a person, and it is believed that the hitogata represents the person concerned. In the Nagoshi-no-Harae ceremony, the hitogata is thought to carry all of that person’s kegare.
Download and print out hitogata and/or katashiro from our website.
Printable versions for non-members or for shrine members who need additional Hitogata and Katashiro:
Download Hitogata
Download Katashiro for pets
Download Katashiro for vehicles
Please print the sheet and cut out each paper shape before use! Uncut Hitogata and Katashiro can't be used during the ceremony!
Hitogata
Step 1: Write your name, age*, and address on the front of the paper shape. Use the side that shows the kanji 十種神宝 or the printed words “name, age, address.”
Please do not use a PO box as your address.
*(Eastern Age Count / Kazoedoshi)
Step 2: Gently breathe once onto the paper shape.
Step 3: Wipe the paper on the part of your body you wish to improve. While doing so, think about what you want to improve. Example: To heal an injury or to become more focused.
Katashiro for Pets
Step 1: Write the name and address of your animal, as well as what type of pet it is, onto the front of the paper shape. Use the side that shows the kanji 十種神宝 or the printed words “name, address, type of pet.”
Step 2: Help your pet breathe onto the Katashiro by holding it in front of their nose or mouth. If that is not possible, you can do so on their behalf.
Step 3: Try to gently wipe the paper on the animal on the area you wish to improve. While doing so, think about what you want to improve. Example: Health and safety.
Katashiro for Vehicles
Step 1: Write your name, the address, and license plate number on the front of the paper shape.
Step 2: As the owner or driver of the car, please breathe once onto the paper shape.
Step 3: Gently rub the paper on the steering wheel and the hood of the car. While doing so, think about what you want to improve. Example: Avoiding accidents or mechanical issues.
Step 4: Important! Fill the form on our website to complete the application and select your package plan. https://shintoinari.org/nagoshi2026form
Step 5: Prepare the donation ceremony fees. Do NOT send cash.
Check: Payable to Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/3405572
Step 6: Carefully put all of your Hitogata and Katashiro into an envelope and mail them to us. The must reach us no later than June 27th!
Mailing address:
Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America
9854 National Blvd., #284
Los Angeles, CA 90034
To use hitogata/Pet katashiro,
one suffering from knee pain would wipe the Hitogata on their knee, or, if they wish to be smarter, on their head while saying your wishes like "please heal my knee pain, please be smarter." etc. For pet, rub the pet with the katashiro if possible. The Premium Plan can include pets as one of the five family members. Otherwise, the minimum donation is $10 per pet.
To use vehicle katashiro,
wipe the steering wheel while you are saying your wishes like "please no accident, no mechanic issues." etc… The minimum donation is $10 per vehicle. The Premium Plan can include a vehicle as one of the five family members. Otherwise, the minimum donation is $10 per vehicle.
Dear international participant(s), we kindly ask that you cover shipping costs for your plan (hitogata plan excluded). Thank you for your understanding. Please note that local customs regulations may prohibit the shipping of Chinowa and rice to some countries.
This year, we have the blessed Tea bag set* from our offerings, thanks to the contribution from Sankōen Tea!!
*Set will be:
| Wasabi Tea | Made of 100% local Wasabi grown in Hikimi-cho, Shimane. Hikimi-cho is one of Japan's leading production area of Wasabi along with Shizuoka. Our Wasabi Tea has no pungent smell but mild mouthfeel with slight flavor of Wasabi. This product is suitable as a drink after meal because of its bactericidal effects. In recent years, attention has been focused on the diet effects of Wasabi. |
| Shimon Tea | Made of 100% local Caiapo potato grown in Okuizumo-cho, Shimane. It is also called "Shimon" potato, which has strong antioxidation effects and thus said to be suitable for maintaining health, boosting immunity and lowering blood pressure. |
| Kuromoji Tea | Made of 100% locally grown Kuromoji in Shimane, a plant in genus Lindera, known by the common name, "Spicewood". Kuromoji is used in Chinese medicine as it is said to be good for boosting liver function. In our area, Kuromoji Tea has been taken traditionally, because of its anti-bacterial effects. Kuromoji is also called "Japanese mint", thanks to its refreshing flavor. So it will make you feel relaxed due to its briskness. |
| Shiso Tea | Shiso is a culinary variety of Perilla, a herb in mint family. This product is made of 100% locally grown red Shiso in Shimane, which is rich in polyphenol, strong antioxidant. As red Shiso is also rich in vitamins and iron, this product is especially suitable for ladies as a beauty drink. Its brisk flavor could make you feel relaxed. Good for a drink taken before going to bed. |
| Kuwa Tea | Made of 100% mulberry leaf organically grown in Sakurae-cho, Shimane, Japan. This product is suitable for those who care blood sugar. Mulberry is also known to suppress blood pressure and blood lipids. It is rich in minerals like zinc or calcium and also in dietary fibers. It is an essential drink in modern lifestyle. |
This year, we also have the blessed Golden Aojiru** from our offerings, thanks to the contribution from Golden Aojiru!!
