Every four years for over 1,000 years, the residents of Iwaishima in Yamaguchi Prefecture have practiced a religious custom known as “Kanmai.” The tradition began after islanders rescued a group of priests sailing from Kyushu who were caught in a storm. In appreciation, the islanders were taught wheat cultivation, and formed a spiritual connection to a shrine in Bungo Province across the sea. During the five-day festival, guests will go ashore to attend a kagura performance of music and dance that represents this mutual gratitude.