This is one of the agricultural rituals of Aso and an important intangible cultural asset of Japan. The ritual is held annually on January 13th at Aso Shrine and the head priest's house. It is the first time that the Onda Uta (Rice field song) is sung (heralding the start of the agricultural year). Until the ritual has been completed the song is forbidden to be sung by anyone this is why the ritual is also known as Utaihajime (Singing begins).