World Cup Approaches: Victory Prayer Festival Held at Osaka's Habikino Tenjin Shrine

2026 World Cup Key News

（Central News Osaka Prefecture November 11th compiled from foreign wires）As the World Cup football tournament approaches, Habikino Tenjin Shrine in Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture, known as the "God of the Foot," held a victory prayer festival for the Japanese team today, with many fans gathering to pray for the players.

It is said that Sugawara no Michizane, the "God of Learning" who once suffered from "foot disease," recovered after praying for healing at Habikino Tenjin Shrine. Since the 1998 France World Cup, Habikino Tenjin Shrine has held a victory prayer festival every time the World Cup is held.

Inside the main hall of Habikino Tenjin Shrine, the Japanese team's uniforms and football were placed, and 67-year-old priest Kato Yoshiyasu read a prayer, wishing for the players' safety and victory, while the fans present bowed their heads and clasped their hands in prayer.

A 33-year-old male fan from Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, who is a big fan of player Haruto Endo, said: "(Haruto Endo) As the captain, he will definitely create a good atmosphere for the team not only on the field but also off the field. I hope that we can achieve good results in the first match against the Netherlands and look forward to advancing to the top 8 or higher." (Edited by: Rei Lei / Proofread by: Lu Yingzi) 1150611

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