Stuff.co.nz: New Zealand gives white horse to Japan
A white horse - its background cannot be revealed for "security reasons" - has been selected as a gift to Japan in a tradition spanning 40 years. At a ceremony at the New Zealand embassy in Tokyo yesterday, Prime Minister Helen Clark presented a photo of the horse to the chief priest of Toshogu Shrine. New Zealand's tradition of giving a white horse to Japan started after the Olympic Games in 1964. Kotuku is the fourth horse to be presented and will go to Japan later this year. Kotuku, which can mean rare and sacred visitor in Maori, will replace Koha, which has been at the shrine since 1981.
