Ahead of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series stop in Japan on the 3rd of August, 2023, the country’s only cliff diver, Kyohei Arata, had the privilege of opening its most sacred site, Takachiho Gorge, the Valley of the Gods, in Miyazaki prefecture.
“Red Bull Cliff Diving is the event that introduced me to the sport. I always wanted to compete on this stage, so I am honoured to be selected as a wild card diver,” said Arata.
Following a purification ceremony at the Takachiho Shrine, Australia’s Rhiannan Iffland and David Colturi from the US were the first ever to be permitted to dive into the gorge in a premier performance.
“This place is incredible. It’s such a natural wonder. I can’t wait to come back for the competition and for all the other divers from around the world to come here and see this beautiful piece of Japan,” said Iffland.
This, the fourth stop of the 2023 season, will mark seven years since the series’ first and only visit to Japan in Shirahama, Wakayama, at the Sandanbeki cliffs.
