KYOTO -- The "Osendo no Gi" ritual, an event signaling the commencement of Kyoto's famous Gion Festival, was held here at Yasaka Shrine on July 1, with a "chigo," or boy who will ride on a "naginata hoko" (halberd float), praying for safety during the festival.
At around 10 a.m. 11-year-old...