The formal start of the tourism season at Lake Biwa

This is an event held since 1956 to announce the coming of spring at Lake Biwa.
In the event, prayers for safety on the lake are offered; the blessing of water is appreciated; and the environmental protection of the lake is appealed for.
At the water parade on the lake, the mayor and the honorary captain on the Michigan cruiser throw a golden key which implies the meaning of “opening the door of spring” into the lake. Every year, a main actor of NHK morning drama serials is chosen as the honorary captain. On the deck, a Shinto priest offers prayers for safety on the lake.