Story MATSURI GUIDEBOOK Published in 2022

Matsuri, Japanese Festivals

 

Just like in many cultures around the world, the Japanese have embraced festive events as the opportunity to connect with the community, celebrate their heritage, and enjoy good company. For thousands of years, festivals have been hosted to highlight a variety of occasions: spring to pray for bountiful crops, summer to ward off disease, fall to thank for their harvests, and winter to celebrate the New Year.

The Japanese word for festivals is ’matsuri’ which is derived from the verb ‘matsuru’ meaning "to enshrine" deities. Many festivals are thus closely related to the country’s cultural belief that deities reside in all things. Today, the term ’matsuri’ is used to describe a wide range of celebrations other than the Shinto rituals performed by shrines. These celebrations include well-known events like community and school events as well as those that are connected to the seasons and culture, such as the Hana-Matsuri (Flower Festival) and Hina-Matsuri (Doll Festival).

 

Matsuri Staples

 

MIKOSHI

 

 

The mikoshi is a portable shrine for the deities to travel out of their shrines. It is said that during festivals, the Japanese deities visit the local community by riding on the mikoshi, and chase off bad spirits from the region. The mikoshi is usually extravagantly decorated and resembles a miniature shrine as it has to temporarily house the deity. Once the mikoshi has made its rounds, it is brought back to the shrine so that the deity may return to it.

 

 

BON ODORI (BON FESTIVAL DANCE)

 

 

Bon odori is a dance typically performed during the Obon period in mid-August where the Japanese honour the spirits of their ancestors. People gather to dance in a circle around a high wooden stage or yagura, to the accompaniment of songs using instruments such as shamisen and taiko drums. The appeal of this dance is that it is easy enough for anyone to perform, so you don't even need to know the steps beforehand. Join in the fun and dance with the locals for an authentic matsuri experience.

 

 

YUKATA

 

 

The yukata is a casual kimono that is easy to wear and the light cotton material makes it ideal for the hot summer weather. It is frequently spotted being worn at bon odori and firework festivals. Yukatas are easy to wear as they don't require an obiage (obi belt bustle) or obijime (decorative cords for the obi belt) and only have one layer of clothing compared to other types of kimonos. There are yukata rental shops available as well. Why not rent one on your next trip to Japan and take part in the matsuri?

 

 

HAPPI

 

 

The happi coat, which was once worn by craftsmen as a uniform during the Edo period (1603–1868), is now a traditional outfit frequently seen at festivals. They are typically knee-length or fall below the waist and have the Japanese character for matsuri on the back for those used during festivals. You will see festival staff or dancers wearing them during performances.

 

 

OMEN

 

 

Omen is the Japanese word for masks which are frequently spotted at celebrations around the country and are known to be used in the traditional performing art of Noh. A common summer festival scene in Japan is people wearing yukatas (summer kimonos) with masks. You can find masks of all types including popular anime characters sold at the vendors of most festivals. It also makes for a good souvenir to bring back home the memories of the matsuri. Do try on a mask and join in the festivities!

 

 

Matsuri Etiquette

 

Festivals are places for fun and entertainment, but following the proper etiquette is also important to ensure all participants have an enjoyable time. If you're new to Japanese festivals, here are a few tips on what to pay attention to.

 

Taking pictures

While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new experience and the desire to post them on social media, it's important to remember that there are certain parts of life that require more privacy. It is considered respectful to refrain from taking pictures of prayers in front of the deities, as well as uploading personally identifiable photos to social media.

 

Small festivals in the neighborhood

Throughout Japan, hundreds of festivals are held each year, with some being citywide and others small local gatherings. While they are a great opportunity to experience the unique culture of each area, not all festivals are open to the general public. Some festivals are held at schools or other educational facilities such as universities where only those attending can enter school grounds. Do make sure to respect the rules of the festival.

 

Looking for help

If you ever face any troubles at a festival, try looking for a festival staff or booth. Most festivals have a booth with festival staff manning it where you can get help with lost items, directions, and any other problems. Remember that it's okay to ask for help if you need it - most people are more than happy to lend a hand and make sure that everyone has a great time at festivals!

 

Paid seating and private property

Fireworks displays and other festivals are where you can really get into the spirit of summer, hearing the sounds of traditional Japanese music and seeing spectacular fireworks light up the night sky. Most of the time, these events are held outdoors, and you can enjoy them from wherever you'd like! A lot of festivals also have paid seating providing the best view of the performances. Book a seat beforehand for a one-of-a-kind experience or simply find a spot in the surrounding area of the festival. Having a mat to sit on would also be convenient especially when watching fireworks outdoors. Just make sure that you don't enter the paid seating area, private property (private houses, etc.) or dangerous areas.

 

Bring cash

If you're planning on visiting a festival and thinking about purchasing food or goods from vendors, it is a good idea to plan ahead by bringing enough cash for your purchases. In most cases, festival vendors accept cash only. It is recommended to come prepared with plenty of coins and 1,000-yen bills.

 

 

Matsuri Calender

 

Winter

◆Sapporo Snow Festival Early February Official Site

◆Chichibu Yomatsuri (Night Festival) December 2 and 3 Official Site

◆Saidaiji Eyo Festival (Hadaka Matsuri) Third Saturday of February Official Site

 

Spring

◆Sanja Matsuri Third weekend of May Official Site

◆Johana Hikiyama Matsuri Festival May 4 and 5

◆Onbashira Festival (Shikinen Zoei Mihashira Taisai) April and May every 6 years Official Site

◆Takayama Festival April 14 and 15, and October 9 and 10

◆Aoi Matsuri Festival (Kamo Festival) May 15 Official Site

◆Shuni-e Ceremony (Omizutori Festival) March 1 to 14 Official Site

 

Summer

◆Sendai Tanabata Festival August 6 to 8 Official Site

◆Akita Kanto Festival August 3 to 6 Official Site

◆Omagari Hanabi Last Saturday of August Official Site

◆Yamagata Hanagasa Festival August 5 to 7 Official Site

◆Soma Nomaoi Festival Last Saturday to Monday of July Official Site

◆Gujo Odori Mid-July to early September Official Site

◆Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival Fourth weekend of July

◆Tenjin Festival July 24 and 25 Official Site

◆Mibu no Hana Taue First Sunday of June

◆Harvest Festival (Purii) June or July of the lunar calendar

◆Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri (All-Island Eisa Festival) Weekend following the Kyu Bon (Bon Festival of the lunar calendar) Official Site

◆Aomori Nebuta Festival August 2 to 7 Official Site

◆Gion Matsuri July 1 to 31 Official Site

◆Awa Odori Dance Festival August 12 to 15 Official Site

◆Hakata Gion Yamakasa July 1 to 15 Official Site

 

Autumn

◆Owara Kaze no Bon Festival September 1 to 3

◆Jidai Matsuri October 22 Official Site

◆Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri Mid-September and early October Official Site

◆Nagasaki Kunchi October 7 to 9 Official Site

◆Takachiho Evening Kagura Mid-November to early February

◆Naha Giant Tug-of-War Festival Second weekend of October Official Site

◆Shikinen Sengu Once every 20 years

 

 

Published in 2022