The lowdown on sumo with info and viewing tips from a British sumo columnist By: Mark Buckton (writer, sumo columnist) From: JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine | Japan National Tourism Organization With its roots in Shinto rituals, sumo is a traditional Japanese sport through which it is possible to experience Japanese culture by way of giant…
Here in Japan, almost every locale has at least one festival or matsuri in late summer/early autumn, usually related to the rice harvest. Even here in suburban Tokyo, where local shopping district holds such matsuri for two days, one for children and one for the real adult matsuri. It depends on the type of matsuri,…
Gion Matsuri – synonymous to Kyoto’s summer. Being not only Kyoto’s, but also one of Japan’s three largest festivals, the Gion Festival is celebrated by all Kyoto locals and visitors from afar. The city of Kyoto becomes filled the with energy of people who have waited for this month since the previous year. The mere…
On March 3rd, Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival ) or Girls’ Day is celebrated in Japan. Platforms covered with a red carpet are used to display a set of ornamental dolls (hina-ningyo) representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian period (794-1192) — it is said that the custom of displaying…
May 5th is the Children’s Day in Japan, but in the past it was set aside for boys only. To celebrate this special day, parents with boys in the family fly carp streamers from a high pole set on their premise. Carps are chosen for this…
A traditional New Year decoration “kadomatsu” (literally, gate pine) are typically made of pine branches and bamboos and is placed on both sides of the entrance to the house (or a building). These pine branches serves as the welcome sign for this year’s God to come visit the house. To prepare for the coming year,…
Tori-no-Ichi Fairs started in 13h century in Japan to thank for the harvest for the year. Kumade or rakes with wheat ornaments are sold at the shrines where the Fairs are held. A more elaborately decorated kumade with colorful symbols of good fortune to bring wealth and prosperity to the purchaser are sold on the…
