Tatami mat tossed at shrine in replay of Japanese sun goddess myth

Tetsuya Kajiwara throws a tatami mat at Amano Iwato Shrine in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture, on Dec. 22. - The Yomiuri Shimbun via The Japan News/ANN

TAKACHIHO, Miyazaki: The annual ritual of Iwato Nage was held at Amano Iwato Shrine in the town of Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture, on Dec. 22.

The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, Japan’s sun goddess, who is believed to be the ancestor of the Imperial family.