The "Yamahoko Junko," or float procession which is the highlight of the Gion Festival, one of Japan's three major festivals, was held on the morning of July 17. In spite of cloudy weather, thirty-two Yamahoko floats, which are also called "Ugoku Bijutsukan," or moving museums, elaborately decorated with gorgeous drapes, slowly paraded through the main streets of central Kyoto while playing traditional festival music. (Related articles on page 8 and 9)

Upon the signal shout of "En-yara-ya," the Naginata Hoko set off with creaking wheels at 9:00 a.m. The Chigo, or sacred child, swung the sword down and cut a "Shimenawa" rope. Another boy of the Ashikari Yama float, this year's "Yama-ichiban," or the float immediately following the Naginata Hoko, who was bestowed with the important role in the "Kuji Aratame," a ceremony confirming the order of the floats, nervously performed its unique ritual movements.

Each Yamahoko float with its carefully-protected deity figure paraded through the streets proudly. Visitors enjoyed the entertainment of the bright festival, which ordinary townspeople have handed down from generation to generation.

According to the Kyoto Prefectural Police announcement at 1:00 p.m., 130,000 people gathered along the streets, approximately 50,000 less than last year's festival which was performed under the glaring sunlight.