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Japan is beautiful. She is physically beautiful, as anyone who has seen Mount Fuji in the early morning light surely must agree. But more than this, her culture is the most beautiful and appealing of all. The Japanese take immense pride in their rich and varied traditions, and work hard to maintain them. There are lively and unique festivals throughout the year. No visit to Japan in my opinion, is complete without attending, and participating in these. This is the real Japan and I would like to share with the reader two of my favourite Japanese festivals.
If you can stand the humidity of a Japanese summer, then August is a wonderful month to visit. From the 13th to the 15th, a national holiday period, people travel home to be with their families and together they celebrate O-Bon, or the Festival for the Dead. The Japanese believe that the souls of their ancestors return to earth to visit their living relatives during this time. The week before the O-bon period, the housewife thoroughly cleans her house in preparation to welcome the spirits. The families visit the burial places of their family, pray for their souls and offer them food.
Bon-Odori (meaning dance) is a joyous colourful festival with much dancing. Each community sets up a brightly decorated stage, with hanging lanterns and a taiko drum in the centre. Fires are often lit, and these together with the lanterns welcome the dead back to the world of the living. For three nights, music is played, accompanied by talented taiko drummers. Men, women and children dress up in yukata (the summer kimono) and dance elegantly around the stage.
Although this is a celebration for the community to share, a warm welcome is extended to foreign visitors. Your Japanese friends will be kind enough to loan you clothing to wear, and laugh good-naturedly when your ankles protrude way beneath the hem. You will be offered festival food, beer and more importantly enthusiastic dancing instructions. Your attempts to dance, speak Japanese, no matter how clumsy, and to generally integrate yourself into their culture in any way you can, will be received with more kindness and appreciation then I have ever experienced. After the taiko drum has ceased to beat, and the dancers have headed home, you will have made some special and lasting memories.
One of the most beautiful times of the year to visit Japan is during the cherry blossom season. The cherry blossom is not only the symbol of spring, but is the national flower of Japan. Indeed the blossom occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of the Japanese people. The cherry trees (sakura) start to bloom as early as January on the island of Okinawa, but are at their prime during April and May on the biggest of the Japanese islands, Honshu. At this time, during the first warm days of the year, the Japanese celebrate the arrival of the cherry blossom with Hanami parties, meaning cherry blossom viewing.
In parks, and along by the sides of rivers, lanterns are hung from the cherry trees, creating a soft, peaceful ambience during the nights. During the daytime people gather under the cherry trees and eat, drink and sing karaoke. “Dango” is a popular food to eat at this time, a soft rice snack on sticks. Ladies in traditional dress walk under the avenues of cherry blossoms and the atmosphere is relaxed and very fun. Don’t worry if you are not part of a hanami party, you are sure to be invited to one by a hospitable group, eager for you to join their in with their fun and try out their English on you. I have the impression many Japanese men are also curious to see how gaijin weather the effects of sake too, but beware, it’s lethal stuff!
These are two of the more important Japanese festivals, and they are my personal favourites. Other people may tell you differently, although I think everyone who has experienced Bon-Odori loves it. There are many other festivals throughout the year, all observed with the same diligence and pride by the Japanese people. Although I recommend either the O-Bon period or the Cherry Blossom season to visit Japan, I can honestly say that anytime is a good time to experience this country’s fascinating culture.
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