niponica is a web magazine that introduces modern Japan to people all over the world.
2018 NO.24
Japanese Festivals Throughout the Year
A Time for Future Hopes
Life and nature, together
Nature blesses Japan with abundant harvests from both the fields and the sea. Found within nature is a spirit for good that inspires the feelings of gratitude and awe expressed at festivals.
Naha Haarii Dragon Boat Races（Okinawa Prefecture）
This water-themed festival near fishing grounds expresses hope for maritime safety and a good catch. Prayers are offered to the local gods, and boats called haarii, decorated with dragon symbols, race.
Nachi no Ogi Festival（Wakayama Prefecture）
Mountain deities ride on portable shrines to their home at a sacred waterfall. The red-decorated shrines are patterned after ogi fans. Flaming pine torches purify the shrines and route along the pilgrims’ path.
Respect for ancestors and community
Not all festivals are boisterous affairs. Some show solemn reverence, carrying on traditional customs and rituals of gratitude and esteem for departed ancestors.
Niwatsuki Kannon Toro Nagashi（Yamagata Prefecture）
Held in summer to send ancestors’ souls back to the other world. Candlelit paper lanterns are set on the river to show the way. Yamagata Prefecture boasts the most lanterns in eastern Japan.
Kamakura Festival（Akita Prefecture）
Kamakura snow huts, about 2 meters tall with an altar inside to the god of water, go back about 400 years. There is another kind of Kamakura as well, no higher than an adult’s knees.