The Aoi festivities, which last the whole month, are overseen by a symbolic ‘Saio-dai’ who is chosen to represent the imperial princess who was once attached to the Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. It’s supposed to be a great honour, and the representative is chosen only from amongst the city’s best families. today at Shimogamo Shrine she undertakes a formal purification on behalf of the festival as a whole..
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Risako Ota was chosen as the 59th Saio-dai. Ota is the eldest daughter of Toru Ota, the fourth generation owner of the Japanese confectionery “Oimatsu.” At the time she was at university, studying Art History and belonged to the drama society. Her special skills are Imayou singing and handicrafts, and her hobbies are history and art appreciation. Her elder brother, Yuma, played the role of “Chigo,” or sacred child, on the Naginata Hoko float at the Gion Festival 15 years ago.
Dressed in a cherry-blossom pattern kimono, Ota expressed her aspirations at a press conference in a Kamigyo Ward hotel. “I am honored to take part in this fantastic festival, a holy ritual which has been passed down from the days of Emperor Kinmei. I want to do the job splendidly, and am seeking guidance from many different people to this end.”
The Saio-dai is based on Saio, a Heian Period imperial princess who served both the Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines, and the role was revived in 1956.
The Saio-dai at her purification ritual
I believe that in the past a princess would have her teeth blackened. Is this tradition still practiced?
No it’s not. I have only seen the black teeth as part of a historical costume parade (Aoi Festival). It’s very striking, and I suppose it would cover up defects in one’s teeth.