- A Tokyo temple held its annual Jingannawa tradition, creating a large straw snake.
- The centuries-old custom originated from a belief that a snake had caused famine and disease.
- Local residents and a preservation group continue the tradition to pray for health and a good harvest, hoping to pass it on.

A: Hey! Did you see anything interesting in the news today?

B: Not really! What's up?

A: There’s a really cool tradition happening at a temple in Tokyo! They make a giant straw snake!

B: A straw snake? Seriously? That’s wild! What’s that about?

A: It's called Jingannawa. People hang the snake to pray for good health and a good harvest.

B: Wow, that sounds… old! How long have they been doing it?

A: Like, over 500 years! Apparently, a long time ago, people thought a snake caused problems like famine.

B: So the snake is like… a way to ask for forgiveness?

A: Something like that! It's made by a group of people and local residents. They hang it on a gingko tree.

B: That’s so unique! Do you think younger people still participate?

A: Apparently, they want to teach younger generations to make the snakes! It’s been going on through everything, even wars!

B: Incredible! I’d love to see that sometime.