TsukuBlog A Local Perspective on Life in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. Manyoshu Poem Referring to Ancient Ceremony on the First Day of the Mouse (Hatsu Ne no Hi) sheds light on the origins of Mayudama Decorations – and the Okunitama Shrine’s Annual Plow Ceremony 13 January, 2021 This poster from an exhibition of objects preserved at the Shosoin Imperial Treasure House shows the NE NO HI NO METOGI NO HO-KI (bottom right) which was used in the 8th century by the Japanese Empress to ritually brush the silkworm racks (as a prayer for abundant silk) on the First Day of the Mouse of the New Year...