The "Kippu-iri-no-Gi," or opening ritual, for the Naginata Hoko, which is the lead float in the Gion Festival's Yamahoko procession starting on July 17, was held at the Naginata Hoko community hall in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, on July 5. Yutaro Imanishi, age 9, who is serving as "Chigo," or sacred child, publicly performed the "Taihei-no-Mai," or dance of peace and tranquility that will be formally danced on the float during the procession.

Approximately 80 people attended, including officers of "Naginata Hoko Hozonkai," the preservation group of the Naginata Hoko float, and its musical accompanists. Takashi Hirata, president of the group, offered the "Kippu," or talisman with the names of this year's Chigo and "Kamuro," or child-ministrants, to the altar. After conservation group officers observed the Taihei-no-Mai danced by Imanishi and the Kamuro, Ryotaro Miyashita, age 10, and Naoki Fukada, age 9, the children made a formal appearance from the second floor of the community hall facing Shijo-dori Street.

Imanishi wore "Cho-tombo-no-Kanmuri," a headdress ornamented with peacock's plumes, and was attired in a long-sleeved, lavender-colored kimono and a bright green ceremonial dress known as "Kamishimo." He danced in front of the audience "praying for world peace and abundant crops," and they burst into applause whenever he leaned out of the stage. Partway through the dance, he relaxed enough to even give the audience a little smile, and later said confidently, "I want to get on the float and dance as early as possible."