IfYeah. Usually you can find it.
We decided to build a house and are planning to have a Jichinsai.
Oh, you're building a house. Congratulations.
I heard the construction company usually arranges a Jichinsai. Is that correct?
Usually, the construction company arranges a Jichinsai, but not every company does.
Some construction companies tell a house owner to look for a Shinto priest himself.
But what if I don't know any Shinto priests?
Is there a Shinto shrine near the planned construction site?
If I'm correct, there's a Shinto shrine near the planned construction site.
You know you need to ask the Shinto shrine that enshrines the local guardian deity in order to have a Jichinsai, don't you?
I know that, but does the closest Shinto shrine to the planned construction site enshrine the local guardian deity?
Not necessarily, so it is best for you to ask somebody local.
There's a shopping district, so I'll ask some local people there.
The older they are, the more familiar they are with local things, so choose the old stores preferably.
I see. I heard it's been 100 years since the tofu store opened.
Sounds like you'll get some details out of that tofu store.
I'll go to the tofu store tomorrow in no time.
Does the Shinto shrine to perform Jichinsai have to be the one which enshrines the local guardian deity?
In general, it is the Shinto shrine which enshrines the local guardian deity that performs the Jichinsai.
When I just arrived in Japan, I got to know a Shinto priest, so I'd like to ask him.
You can ask him, of course.
I think you should take enough time for an arrangement with that Shinto priest.
I need to contact the construction company, right?
As the construction company normally arranges the Jichinsai, you should let them know soon.
OK. I'll talk to the construction company.
What you'll have to prepare for Jichinsai varies from Shinto shrine to Shinto shrine, so please check on that, too.
What I'll have to prepare includes the altar and ceremonial tools used in Jichinsai, right?
Yes. You'll be troubled on the day unless you get straight who prepares what.
OK. I'll ask the Shinto shrine and tell the construction company.
You'll also be a representative in a meeting between the construction company and the Shinto shrine.
Please be ready for some cost on your side when being a representative.
OK. I'm ready for it because there was originally going to be a meeting between both parties.
Jichinsai is a ritual to pray for winning approval for borrowing land and completing construction safely.
Hopefully, everybody involved will work happily.
That's true. It is the most important to work happily.
It's also great you know the Shinto priest who will perform the Jichinsai for you.
Thank you. I'll make it the best Jichinsai.
I was told by the construction company to look for the Shinto priest who performs Jichinsai.
I'm in need since I don't know any Shinto priest to ask.
Jichinsai is usually performed by a Shinto shrine in which the local guardian deity is enshrined.