This is the only festival of Japanese archery in Nanyo region (southern area of Ehime prefecture). It originally started during the Warring States era (1467-1568) by the lord of the Nakatsukawa manor who promoted martial arts. This practice has been handed down in the tradition and recognized as a ritual event to drive out an evil spirit by the recent generation. Every year men who turned Honyaku (the critical age of life) participate as an archer.