Nishinomiya Shrine holds annual ‘lucky men’ race

More than 100 runners, wishing to be this year’s “lucky men,” have competed in an early morning race at a shrine in western Japan. Nishinomiya Shrine in Hyogo Prefecture holds the traditional ritual every year on January 10 as part of a New Year event to pray for good luck in business.

 On Friday, the runners, who are chosen through a lottery, gathered outside the main gate of the compound, and started dashing at the sound of drums. The first three who reached the main hall 230 meters away earned the “lucky men” titles.

This year’s top winner is 17-year-old Ogishi Fumiya, a high school student from Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture. He took part in the race for the first time. He expressed his surprise at becoming the “luckiest man” and said he hopes for a good year.