Fire dance ritual in Akita Pref.

Fire dance ritual in Akita Pref.

SEMBOKU, Japan - Children swing sacks of burning coals tied to ropes during a traditional agricultural fertility ritual called the ''Hifuri Kamakura'' in Semboku, Akita Prefecture in northeastern Japan, on Feb. 13, 2011. The sacred fire is believed to drive out bad luck from the rice fields while people also wish for the good health and safety of their families at the event.

Fire dance ritual in Akita Pref.

Fire dance ritual in Akita Pref.

SEMBOKU, Japan - A child swings a sack of burning coals tied to a rope during a traditional agricultural fertility ritual called the ''Hifuri Kamakura'' in Semboku, Akita Prefecture in northeastern Japan, on Feb. 13, 2011. The sacred fire is believed to drive out bad luck from the rice fields while people also wish for the good health and safety of their families at the event.

Fire dance ritual in Akita Pref.

Fire dance ritual in Akita Pref.

SEMBOKU, Japan - Children swing sacks of burning coals tied to ropes during a traditional agricultural fertility ritual called the ''Hifuri Kamakura'' in Semboku, Akita Prefecture in northeastern Japan, on Feb. 13, 2011. The sacred fire is believed to drive out bad luck from the rice fields while people also wish for the good health and safety of their families at the event. (Kyodo)

Fire dance ritual in Akita Pref.

Fire dance ritual in Akita Pref.

SEMBOKU, Japan - A child swings a sack of burning coals tied to a rope during a traditional agricultural fertility ritual called the ''Hifuri Kamakura'' in Semboku, Akita Prefecture in northeastern Japan, on Feb. 13, 2011. The sacred fire is believed to drive out bad luck from the rice fields while people also wish for the good health and safety of their families at the event. (Kyodo)