[English] The Olympics have finally arrived in Japan. Although the atmosphere is quieter than usual because of the Corona disaster, the people of Japan are excited by the heated competition every day. In this article, I would like to introduce the unique "event" culture of Japan. Normally quiet people turn into different people! Traditional Festivals In Japan, festivals are held all over the country in the summer. Festivals are popular events among foreign tourists, but it is often said that foreigners who see the festivities see something completely different from the usual Japanese. At Japanese festivals, people walk around the city lifting a small house of God called a "mikoshi" with many other people. The people walking with the mikoshi keep shouting loudly and sometimes collide with other mikoshi, to the point where it looks violent. Men, who normally wear suits, participate in the festival in only their underwear, almost naked. Also, perhaps because Japanese people feel more relaxed on festival days than usual, their manners become more lax and many people get into fights. A similar phenomenon is "Halloween". In the last decade, the number of people enjoying Halloween events has increased in Japan, but the bad manners have been in the news every year. It is said that Japanese people are usually very stressed. Festivals may be an outlet for that stress. Let's be careful when we participate! Valentine's Day: The Chocolate Wars In your country, who do you give Valentine's Day gifts to and what do you give them? If you ask our students the same question, they will answer, "I send a bouquet of flowers to a woman on Valentine's Day. This is not the case in Japan. In Japan, it is different. In Japan, Valentine's Day is a day for women to give chocolates to men. Therefore, from the end of January, department stores start to sell high-end chocolates. Men get nervous and restless on the morning of February 14th. Do you think men who get lots of chocolates are happy? Actually, I can't say I'm happy. What's more, there is a day on March 14 called "White Day" when you have to return the gifts you received on Valentine's Day. It is implicitly understood that on White Day, you should prepare a gift that is three times the price of the chocolate you received on Valentine's Day. Do you still want to receive chocolates? Who do you spend Christmas with? In your country, Christmas is an event to spend with whom? In Japan, it is popular as an event to spend with your lover. Also, Japanese people eat fried chicken instead of turkey on Christmas. And most of the people who celebrate Christmas are Buddhists. Christmas in Japan must be full of discomfort for foreigners. Then, on December 26, all the Christmas atmosphere in the city disappears, and all at once it becomes New Year's mode. “Obon" to welcome the dead In the middle of August, there is a day called "Obon" to welcome the dead. During Obon, families wash the graves and welcome the spirits of their ancestors into their homes. There is a mysterious doll that is made at that time. One is a "horse doll" with chopsticks attached to a cucumber, and the other is a "cow doll" with chopsticks attached to an eggplant. It is said that the spirits of the dead ride these "horses" back to their homes and "cows" back to the land of the dead. In some areas, lamps called lanterns are floated down the river to mourn the dead. The scenery is sad but beautiful. In your country, what do you do during Obon? Have you learned anything new about events in Japan? In our school, we have seasonal events and activities. Learning about Japanese events is also a way to learn about the Japanese spirit. Please try to participate in them. The Olympic Games have finally been held in Japan. Since the event is held in Coronavirus pandemic, the atmosphere is quieter than usual, but the people are excited about the heated matches every day. This time, we will introduce Japan's unique "event" culture. People who are usually quiet have changed! Traditional festivities In Japan, festivals are held in various places in the summer. The festival is also a popular event for foreign tourists, but it is often said that foreigners who see the festival see a completely different appearance from ordinary Japanese people. In Japanese festivals, people sometimes walk around the city while lifting a small god's house called a "mikoshi" with a large number of people. People walking with mikoshi keep shouting loudly, and sometimes they collide with other mikoshi, so much so that they look violent. Men who usually wear suits also participate almost naked, now only in their underwear. Also, on festival days, Japanese people are more liberated than usual, so their manners are sloppy and there are many people who fight. A similar phenomenon is Halloween. In the last 10 years, the number of people who enjoy Halloween events in Japan has increased, and their bad manners are in the news every year. Japanese people are usually stressed. Festivals may be an outlet for that stress. Be careful when participating! Valentine's Day Chocolate Sales In your country, who do you give Valentine's Day to? If you ask our students, the answer is, "Valentine's Day sends bouquets of flowers to women." Japan is different. Valentine's Day in Japan is a day when women give chocolates to men. Therefore, from the end of January, the high-end chocolate sales season begins in department stores. Males become fidgety and restless on the morning of February 14. Do you think a man who gets a lot of chocolate is happy? Not really. On March 14th, there is a day called "White Day" when you have to return the gift you received on Valentine's Day. On that White Day, it is an unspoken agreement to prepare a gift that is three times the price of the chocolate you received on Valentine's Day. Do you still want to get chocolate? Who do you spend Christmas with? Who is Christmas with in your country? In Japan, it is popular as an "event to spend time with lovers". Also, the Japanese eat fried chicken instead of Christmas turkey. And most of the people celebrating Christmas are Buddhists. Christmas in Japan must be full of discomfort for foreigners. And on December 26, all the Christmas atmosphere in the city disappears and you go into New Year's mode at once. "Obon" to greet the dead In the middle of August, there is a day called "Obon" that welcomes the dead. Obon washes graves with families and welcomes the spirits of ancestors into their homes. There is a mysterious doll that is made at that time. There is a "horse doll" with chopsticks on a cucumber and a "cow doll" with chopsticks on an eggplant. It is said that the spirits of the dead ride home on this "horse" and return to the land of the dead on a "cow". In addition, there are areas where lamps called lanterns are poured into the river to mourn the dead. The scenery is sad but beautiful. What do you do for Obon in your country? Have you learned anything new about events in Japan? Our school conducts seasonal events. To know Japanese events is to know the heart of the Japanese people. Please join us.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine's rim musubi wind chimes Wedding memory place

Peace and safety next year May the yamaboko procession be administered. @祗園祭

This is a photo taken at the summer fireworks display at Nagoya Port.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine's rim musubi wind chimes

It is one of the three major festivals in Edo, "Tomioka Hachimangu Annual Grand Festival". The Coronavirus pandemic ends early, and I want to experience the hot "Edo summer" full of vitality of the town again.

It's interesting how Japan has so many blue lakes. It's such a strange phenomenon. I'm not sure if the color in all of them is due to the same phenomenon, but the one in Biei is supposedly colored blue because of aluminum and other minerals that scatter sunlight in just the right way. I have a feeling this one isn't the same because the one in Biei was formed only after a dam was made, but I'm interested to learn what exactly causes it here. I actually hadn't heard of this blue lake before but Aomori has some really nice scenery so it's not too surprising. Also Shirakami-Sanchi is a UNESCO heritage site for a reason I suppose lol. I'd like to go see this and the Nebuta Festival in Aomori as that's supposed to be really awesome as well. Maybe it's possible to see them during the same visit?

Akita Prefecture "Noshiro Fireworks". Following on from last year, it has been decided to cancel the event again this year. I think that fireworks festivals are being held nationwide by postponing, canceling, or reviewing the scale. I hope that the time will soon come when everyone can look up at the night sky with a smile on their faces.

What an incredible photo, the coloring of the floats goes perfectly with the sunset and the clouds. What an awesome looking festival. I've never heard about Murakami Taisai, but it looks like it's about 400 years old now and some of the floats created 200 years ago are still used even today. I've never actually visited Niigata but it looks like a fun place. Just inconveniently placed I guess lol. Seeing cool photos like this though really makes me want to visit. This festival is in early July as well, so not too far off. Might be cool to visit and get some of the festival food I've been missing out on. Can always make yakisoba at home but it just never really hits the same as some made at a yatai!

The night feast of the Nagara River flowing along Gifu Castle, where Oda Nobunaga departed from Tenkafubu. This dance boat serves as a prelude to the start of the Gifu Nagara River Ukai, and performs the Noryo dance on weekends from summer to autumn. Last year, unfortunately, due to the influence of the new coronavirus, dancers wore face shields. I want the Coronavirus pandemic to end as soon as possible and return to the summer bustle of the Nagara River.

In Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, this is a Yabusame tournament held only by female jockeys around the time the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Female jockeys dressed in glossy kimono carry bows, ride on horses of Japan traditional lineage, and fly quickly through three targets while frying dust. Originally, Yabusame is an event held only by men as a Shinto ritual, but befitting the modern era of the 21st century, the gender difference between men and women has been abolished, and the ancient traditions of martial arts and equestrian arts that have been handed down from ancient Japan times have been adopted and passed on to future generations, and the world of glossy kimono fushiko is worth visiting and seeing. At the 4th "COOL JAPAN VIDEOS" Photo Contest - Spring of Japan, we were selected as one of the six winners out of 1,000 entries and received an honorable mention. 【Spring Shooting】

In Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, this is a Yabusame tournament held only by female jockeys around the time the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Last year, it was canceled due to the influence of the new coronavirus, but this year it was held with corona countermeasures. The cherry blossom front reaches the northern tip of Honshu around mid-April. The Yabusame Tournament, in which petting children in glossy Japanese attire unfold, heralds the arrival of spring in this area along with the cherry blossom front.

In Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, this is a Yabusame tournament held only by female jockeys around the time the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Female jockeys dressed in glossy kimono carry bows and, when mounted on horses of Japan traditional lineage, run through the dust and quickly shoot through the three targets. This year's tournament was full of cherry blossoms.

In Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, this is a Yabusame tournament held only by female jockeys around the time the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Last year, it was canceled due to the influence of the new coronavirus, but this year it was held with corona countermeasures. The cherry blossom front reaches the northern tip of Honshu around mid-April. The Yabusame Tournament, in which petting children in glossy Japanese attire unfold, heralds the arrival of spring in this area along with the cherry blossom front.

Hirosaki Castle, illuminated by the lights, and the competition of the most honored cherry blossoms in the Japan were in perfect harmony. Thank you to the citizens of Hirosaki for organizing the cherry blossom festival! Thanks!.

It is a row of cherry blossom trees in the inner moat of Hirosaki Park, Aomori Prefecture, lit up at the cherry blossom festival. The rows of cherry blossom trees reflected in the moat were magnificent.

Aghhh! I wish I got to get out and see some beautiful illuminations this winter but with everything happening in the world it wasn't exactly possible. Really wanted to check out the one in Hibiya but next year will have to do. I know a lot of events were canceled this winter as well but things can hopefully start opening up again as vaccines start rolling out around the country. Slow process for now, but hopefully it starts to speed up soon. I'd like to visit some flower parks this spring, I know there are a few that have illuminations as well and my girlfriend would love to visit them and see the cherry blossoms and wisteria, so if everything goes well hopefully we'll get the chance. That and I'm seriously missing going out to festivals, so hopefully we can get some of those soon!

Whoa! Now those are some fireworks! Holy crud, this is insane. I don't think I've ever seen fireworks this bright and colorful and I've been to the Omagari Fireworks Festival before! Didn't know that Mie had such amazing fireworks. All of the good fireworks festivals are so far away from Tokyo ?. Just more reason to explore other areas of Japan though I suppose. Apparently this is the Kihoku Lantern Festival too so I'd get to see some beautiful lanterns on the water as well. Hopefully I can get out some this summer, been cooped up indoors for way too long at this point, and I'm starting to miss the fresh nippon breeze ?. Hopefully spring comes somewhat early this year so I can see some cherry blossoms and drink some plum wine while barbecuing lol!

Glossy day In Kyoto

Ahhhh! I've got to see Soma Nomaoi. It looks cooler and cooler the more I hear about it. Sending signals with a conch is super cool. It sounds like something that you'd hear about in a myth or folklore, but the fact that this was actually used is really interesting. A bit of a tangent, but it's awesome seeing all of the different helmet styles used in Japan. It's not exactly something unique to Japan, but Japan definitely has some of the coolest looking styles. This one kind of reminds me of traditional Japanese lacquerware and I like how it's very sleek and practical. Hopefully I'll be able to check this out this year. I want to visit Fukushima anyways so it'd be great if I could get it all to line up!

Awesome photo. I've heard of Soma-Nomaoi before. I really want to check it out actually and see all the horse races and stuff. I guess they do drills that were used by the military back in the day which would be really cool to watch as well. I'm a huge fan of horseback archery and archery in general so if they have that that'd be awesome as well. I didn't know there were portable shrines as well. I'd have to read up more on the festival but it definitely looks interesting. I have a friend over in Fukushima Prefecture so if I could get out there and meet them when this is happening it'd be awesome. Hopefully corona has settled down by July, but if not then I guess there's always next year. I'll have to eat some tasty festival food somewhere else I guess ?

Ahhh I love watching these kinds of videos. Getting to see food truck/food stall vendors make food is just so organic. It's nice since I'm not able to travel much these days as well (not that anybody is really). I've never had gohei mochi, let alone heard of it before, but it reminds me of Akita's Kiritanpo. I think the last food truck item I got was ツブ, snail I guess? I didn't even know that until now lol. My girlfriend loved it, I was a bigger fan of the bacon that went with it. Really hoping I can visit another food stall again soon though as I really miss the yakisoba that they make. The yakisoba from the convenience store is alright, but it doesn't really hold a candle to the food stalls ?. Just gonna have to keep waiting until it's okay to travel again though. Until then I'm gonna keep watching videos to stay sane lol!

It was a beach contest! I couldn't win, but it was a lot of fun! It felt so good to be able to beat the miso six great drums! !!

There are many arquebus guns in the Japan. However, the shape of the gun is different for each area, so it is interesting to see various museums and demonstration groups. Guns also have fine patterns and inlays, and some of them are beautiful works of art.

Soma Nomaoi held in July in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture. There is the courage of the mounted warrior and the quietness of the sacred ritual.

Soma Nomaoi held in July in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture. There is the courage of the mounted warrior and the quietness of the sacred ritual.

The arquebus is filled with gunpowder in two places. Gunpowder for firing balls. A mouth powder that ignites firing gunpowder. This photo shows the moment when the arquebus fire ignited the mouthpiece of the fire dish.

Practicing arquebuses. Overseas, samurai used to shoot with caliber guns called cannons in their hands.

A performance of archery in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture. Unlike the sports kyudo, it is characterized by a practical old shooting method.

Shitaragahara Decisive Battlefield Festival held in Shinshiro City, Aichi Prefecture. We, who are active in Fukushima Prefecture, also gave a demonstration to the state.