Festivals in Japan: A celebration of life and nature all year round

Festivals are found in every part of the world in one form or another. They help remember an important day in history, help play homage to the spirits or are just provide plain good fun to partake in. Which ever the occasion, these events which last from a day to a month are a relaxing escape for people to enjoy themselves surrounded by loved ones and friends whilst appreciating their culture and history.

No other country in the world is festivals more prevalent than in Japan. With its rich historic past steeped in honour and tradition, several festivals have originated throughout the years to be still celebrated today. They offer a welcome change and time for enjoyment from the country’s usually strict and hectic work ethic.

These annual events can be broadly categorised into two sections- local or nationwide. Local festivities or matsuri occur mainly during a specific season or months of the year and are defining characteristics of their region or city of origin.

Some popular local festivals to note include the Sapporo Snow Festival which is the largest festival of its kind held in the city of Sapporo. This event brings out the winter spirit in its residents by getting volunteers and groups to build intricate ice sculptures pertaining to local and international themes. Originally sparked by schools students in the 1950’s who built snow sculptures in Odori Park. Every year it attracts over two million people from around the world who flock to see the brilliant white beauty of the snow sculptures and statues on display.

Jazz has been an important part of Japanese culture since its introduction, the Nango Summer Jazz festival is one of the most popular modern festivals in Japan. Started in 1989 it brings together the cream of the local jazz scene with international bands and artists brought down especially for the event.

The most recognised local festival is the Cherry Blossom festival. Though stated as a local event, it occurs throughout Japan where Cherry Blossom trees grow. Visitors organise picnics in Cherry blossom parks where they sit under the trees with friends and family and observe the blossoming of these soothing pink flowers. A truly magical experience as the flowers bloom and the winds sweep away the pink petals to truly captivate visitors.

As mentioned earlier, the second type of festival is those that are celebrated nationwide. These festivals are mainly to do with tradition, enforcing specific daily activities and promoting good fortune. Many involve making special traditional foods for the period or visiting shrines to voice ones wishes and pray.

At the beginning of every New Year within the first three days, residents will carry out elaborate rituals from meticulously cleaning ones abode to ensuring all debts from the previous year are fully paid off. Relatives visit each other and special foods known as Osechi are served on lacquered trays. Sports and games such as hanetsuki which is similar to badminton and tako age (kite flying) are popular during this season.

Another popular nationwide festival is catered to young girls. Known as the Doll Festival, where families pray for the health and prosperity of their little girls and hope that they grow up healthy and beautiful. The ceremony starts at home and residents congregate for its completion at the seashore. Girls put on their best kimonos and visit friends and relatives houses and enjoy delicacies such as hishimochi (diamond shaped rice cakes) and shirozake (rice malt with sake).

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