View source for Japanese festivals

{{Short description|Traditional festive occasions}}
{{Redirect|Matsuri}}
{{Shintoism}}{{Culture of Japan}}
'''Japanese festivals''' are traditional festive occasions often celebrated with [[dance]] and [[music]] in [[Japan]]. In Japan, festivals are called {{nihongo3||祭り|'''matsuri'''}}, and the origin of the word ''matsuri'' is related to the {{nihongo3|[[Shinto]] deities|神|[[kami]]}}; there are theories that the word ''matsuri'' is derived from {{nihongo3||待つ|matsu}} meaning "to wait (for the ''kami'' to descend)", {{nihongo3||献る|tatematsuru}} meaning "to make offerings to the ''kami''", and {{nihongo3||奉う|matsurau}} meaning "to obey the ''kami''".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fukushima-jinjacho.or.jp/monoshiri/pc/section3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202134554/https://fukushima-jinjacho.or.jp/monoshiri/pc/section3.html|script-title=ja:都市と祭り|language=ja|publisher=Fukushimaken Jinjacho|date=|archive-date=2 December 2021|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref> The theory that it is derived from ''matsurau'' is the most popular.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.minto.or.jp/assets/pdf/urban/u41_04.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516043226/https://www.minto.or.jp/assets/pdf/urban/u41_04.pdf|script-title=ja:都市と祭り|language=ja|author=Satoru Yamaguchi|date=|archive-date=16 May 2024|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref>

It is estimated that there are between 100,000 and 300,000 festivals across Japan,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/ja/features/h00010/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529181742/https://www.nippon.com/ja/features/h00010/|script-title=ja:【日本の祭り】全国お祭りMAP|language=ja|publisher=nippon.com|date=28 June 2012|archive-date=29 May 2023|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="mitsui">{{cite web|url=https://www.potluck-yaesu.com/magazine/20230418/418/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001125518/https://www.potluck-yaesu.com/magazine/20230418/418/|script-title=ja:経済効果5300億円、「お祭り大国・日本」が目指すべき持続可能なお祭りの姿|language=ja|publisher=Mitsui Fudosan|date=18 April 2023|archive-date=1 October 2023|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref> generating an annual economic impact of 530 billion yen as of 2019.<ref name="mitsui"/> As of 2024, 33 of these festivals have been registered as [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists]] as "Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/special_content/ilink1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229120134/https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/special_content/ilink1|title=Yama/Hoko/Yatai: the Float Festivals of Japan|language=ja|publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]]|date=|archive-date=29 February 2024|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref> Various folk dances, costume processions, ''[[kagura]]'', ''[[dengaku]]'', ''[[bugaku]]'', and ''[[noh]]'' performed at festivals are also registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/special_content/intangible|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429010217/https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/special_content/intangible|title=Intangible Cultural Heritage|language=ja|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|date=|archive-date=29 April 2024|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref> For example, 41 folk dances including ''[[Obon#Bon Odori|bon odori]]'' from various regions of Japan are registered as "''Furyu-odori''"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/special_content/ilink5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229120213/https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/special_content/ilink5|title=Furyu-odori: Ritual Dances Imbued with People's Hopes and Prayers|language=ja|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|date=|archive-date=29 February 2024|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref> and 10 costume processions including ''[[namahage]]'' are registered as "''Raihō-shin''".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/special_content/ilink3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229120157/https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/special_content/ilink3|title=Raiho-shin: Ritual Visits of Deities in Masks and Costumes|language=ja|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|date=|archive-date=29 February 2024|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref>

Japanese festivals reflect the unique religious beliefs of the Japanese people, who worship {{nihongo3|[[Vengeful ghost|vengeful spirits]]|怨霊|[[onryō]]}} and violent ''kami'', based on the background of Japan's frequent natural disasters. Based on the syncretism of [[Shinto]] and [[Japanese Buddhism|Buddhism]], Japanese people worship not only the spirits that inhabit all things and the souls of their ancestors, but also terrifying ''onryō'' and violent ''kami'' that protect people from epidemics and natural disasters. For example, [[Gion Matsuri]], Tenjin Matsuri ([[:ja:天神祭|ja]]), and [[Kanda Matsuri]], which are considered the three major festivals in Japan, worship the ''onryō'' of [[Gozu Tennō]], [[Sugawara no Michizane]], and [[Taira no Masakado]], respectively, and pray for good health and protection from natural disasters. Since these festivals are held in urban areas, each attracts hundreds of thousands to over a million spectators each year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/ja/guide-to-japan/gu900249/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530151919/https://www.nippon.com/ja/guide-to-japan/gu900249/|title=四季を彩る日本の祭り：郷土に根差す祈りの形|language=ja|publisher=nippon.com|date=2 May 2023|archive-date=30 May 2023|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/ja/guide-to-japan/gu019001/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611132429/https://www.nippon.com/ja/guide-to-japan/gu019001/|script-title=ja:【日本三大祭り】京都「祇園祭」・大阪「天神祭」・東京「神田祭」：実は「日本三大『怨霊鎮め』祭り」でもある|language=ja|publisher=nippon.com|date=11 June 2023|archive-date=11 June 2023|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref> On the other hand, Gion Matsuri, [[Aoi Matsuri]], and [[Jidai Matsuri]] are considered the three major festivals in [[Kyoto]]. Gion Matsuri attracts huge crowds to see the procession of huge {{nihongo3|matsuri floats|山車|[[Matsuri float|dashi]]}} and {{nihongo3|portable shrines|神輿|[[mikoshi]]}}, while Aoi Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri attract crowds to see the procession of people dressed in period costumes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/sogo/page/0000015635.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401095151/https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/sogo/page/0000015635.html|title=京都市のあらまし（京の三大祭と五山送り火）|language=ja|publisher=[[Kyoto City]]|date=27 August 2019|archive-date=1 April 2023|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref>

The [[Aomori Nebuta Matsuri]] and the [[Awa Dance Festival|Tokushima Awa Odori]] are large, historic festivals in local cities that attract more than 2 million visitors each year, and more than 1 million visitors each year, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASR827F3BR82ULUC00Q.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806081839/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASR827F3BR82ULUC00Q.html|script-title=ja:戻った歓声、熱気ふたたび　青森ねぶた祭開幕、大型ねぶた23台出陣|language=ja|publisher=[[The Asahi Shimbun]]|date=3 August 2023|archive-date=6 August 2023|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXMZO34080350R10C18A8I00000/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906113755/https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXMZO34080350R10C18A8I00000/|script-title=ja:徳島の阿波おどり　400年超の歴史　全国の「総本山」|language=ja|publisher=[[The Nikkei]]|date=12 August 2018|archive-date=6 September 2018|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref> According to a 2022 survey, they ranked first and second, respectively, in recognition in Japan, with the Gion Matsuri in third place.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20220614-2366804/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130180455/https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20220614-2366804/|script-title=ja:「日本の祭り」認知度ランキング、1位は? - 2位「阿波おどり」3位「祇園祭」|language=ja|publisher=Mynavi News|date=14 July 2022|archive-date=30 January 2023|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref>

There are also many Japanese festivals in which the ''kami'' are prayed to for a good harvest of rice and other crops. In agricultural festivals, different ceremonies are held in each of the four seasons, and festivals are classified into different types, such as {{nihongo3||[[:ja:御田植祭|御田植祭]]|otaue-matsuri}} and {{nihongo3||[[:ja:秋祭り|秋祭り]]|aki-matsuri}}, according to their significance. In general, festivals held in the spring pray for a good harvest for the year, festivals held in the summer pray for rice and crops to be free from pests and storm damage, festivals held in the fall offer gratitude for the harvest, and festivals held in the winter pray for a good harvest in the new year.<ref name="moaff"/>

Many secular and modern festivals are also held, with the [[Sapporo Snow Festival]] attracting 2.73 million visitors in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/sapporo-news/20240212/7000064809.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213083102/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/sapporo-news/20240212/7000064809.html|script-title=ja:さっぽろ雪まつり閉幕 来場者は去年比３６.５％増|language=ja|publisher=[[NHK]]|date=12 February 2024|archive-date=13 February 2024|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref>

== Festivals (''matsuri'') related to agriculture ==
There are many Japanese festivals in which the ''kami'' are prayed to for a good harvest of rice and other crops. These festivals are divided into various types according to their significance and ritual practices, the most representative of which are as follows. Typical spring festival practices are {{nihongo3||水口祭|minakuchi-sai}} and {{nihongo3||[[:ja:御田植祭|御田植祭]]|otaue-matsuri}}. In ''minakuchi-sai'', on the day of planting, soil is piled at the water intake of the rice field , seasonal flowers and twigs are placed, and [[sake]] and baked rice are offered to the mountain ''kami''. During ''otaue-matsuri'', young women called {{nihongo3||早乙女|[[Wiktionary:早乙女|saotome]]}} enter the rice field to plant rice seedlings and pray for a good harvest. Typical summer festival practices are {{nihongo3||[[:ja:虫送り|虫送り]]|mushi okuri}} and {{nihongo3||雨乞い|amagoi}}. In ''mushi okuri'', torches are lit at night and straw dolls with pests tied to them are floated or thrown into the river to pray for the repulsion of pests, while in ''amagoi'', dances are dedicated to ''kami'' and fires are lit to pray for rain. The typical fall festival practices are {{nihongo3||新嘗祭|[[Niiname-no-Matsuri|niiname-sai]]}} and {{nihongo3||[[:ja:秋祭り|秋祭り]]|aki-matsuri}}. In ''niiname-sai'', new grains are offered to the ''kami'' at the imperial court and at [[Shinto shrine]]s throughout Japan to thank them for the harvest, and in ''aki-matsuri'', farmers in rural villages thank the ''kami'' of the rice fields and send the ''kami'' back to the mountains. The typical winter festival practices are {{nihongo3||左義長 or どんど焼き|[[Sagichō Fire Festival|sagichō or dondoyaki]]}} and {{nihongo3||[[:ja:田遊び|田遊び]]|taasobi}}. In ''sagicho'' or ''dondoyaki'', {{nihongo3||門松|[[kadomatsu]]}} and other New Year's decorations are burned and ''[[mochi]]'' are roasted and eaten over the flames, and in ''tasaburi'', farm work is simulated in the Shinto shrine {{nihongo|hall|拝殿|[[Haiden (Shinto)|haiden]]}} to pray for the next year's ''kami'' harvest.<ref name="moaff">{{cite web|url=https://www.maff.go.jp/j/nousin/noukan/nougyo_kinou/attach/pdf/index-91.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516042609/https://www.maff.go.jp/j/nousin/noukan/nougyo_kinou/attach/pdf/index-91.pdf|script-title=ja:農村の伝統祭事|pages=1, 2, 15, 28, 41|language=ja|publisher=[[Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Japan)]]|date=11 June 2023|archive-date=16 May 2024|access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref>

==Local festivals (''matsuri'')==
{{unreferenced section|date=June 2015}}
[[File:Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine Mikoshi.JPG|left|160px|thumb|Big [[Mikoshi]] "Yatai" Parade on Miki Autumn Harvest Festival in [[Miki, Hyōgo]]]]
{{Nihongo|'''Matsuri'''|祭}} is the Japanese word for a festival or holiday. In Japan, festivals are usually sponsored by a local [[Jinja (shrine)|shrine]] or [[List of Buddhist temples|temple]], though they can be secular.

Festivals are often based around one event, with food stalls, entertainment, and [[carnival]] games to keep people entertained.  Some are based around temples or shrines, others hanabi ([[fireworks]]), and still others around contests where the participants sport loin cloths (see: [[Hadaka Matsuri]]).

There are no specific matsuri days for all of Japan; dates vary from area to area, and even within a specific area, but festival days do tend to cluster around traditional holidays such as [[Setsubun]] or [[Bon Festival|Obon]]. Almost every locale has at least one matsuri in late summer/early autumn, usually related to the paddy [[harvest]].

Notable matsuri often feature processions which may include elaborate [[Float (parade)|floats]]. Preparation for these processions is usually organized at the level of neighborhoods, or machi. Prior to these, the local [[kami]] may be ritually installed in [[mikoshi]] and paraded through the streets.

One can always find in the vicinity of a matsuri booths selling souvenirs and food such as [[takoyaki]], and games, such as [[Goldfish scooping]]. [[Karaoke]] contests, [[sumo]] matches, and other forms of entertainment are often organized in conjunction with matsuri. If the festival is next to a lake, renting a boat is also an attraction.

Favorite elements of the most popular matsuri, such as the [[Nada no Kenka Matsuri]] of [[Himeji, Hyōgo|Himeji]] or the [[Aomori Nebuta Matsuri|Neputa Matsuri]] of [[Hirosaki]], are often broadcast on television for the entire nation to enjoy.

===List of famous ''matsuri''===
[[File:Aoi Matsuri.jpg|thumb|[[Aoi Matsuri]] in [[Kyoto, Kyoto|Kyoto]]]]
[[File:Awa Odori Tokushima Aug2009.jpg|thumb|[[Awa Dance Festival|Awa Odori]] in [[Tokushima (city)|Tokushima]]]]
[[File:2022 Shimoda-chō'ｓ Danjiri at Tsukuno Danjiri Festival in Tsukuno Area Movie 001.webm|thumbnail|[[Danjiri Matsuri]] in [[Sakai, Osaka|Sakai]]]]
[[File:Gion Matsuri 2017-5.jpg|thumb|[[Gion Matsuri]] in Kyoto]]
[[File:Akita Kanto Festival 2015 at night.JPG|thumb|[[Akita Kantō|Kantō Matsuri]] in [[Akita, Akita]]]]
[[File:Nada no Kenka matsuri , himeji01.JPG|thumb|''[[Mikoshi]]'' fighting on Nada no Kenka Matsuri ([[:ja:灘のけんか祭り|ja]]) in [[Himeji, Hyogo|Himeji]]]]
[[File:Ominatonebuta.jpg|thumb|[[Aomori Nebuta Matsuri|Nebuta Matsuri]] in [[Aomori, Aomori|Aomori]]]]
[[File:Tenjinmatsuri.JPG|thumb|Tenjin Matsuri ([[:ja:天神祭|ja]]) in [[Osaka, Osaka|Osaka]]]]
[[File:Tsushimatennosai1.JPG|thumb|[[Tenno Matsuri]] in [[Tsushima, Aichi]]]]
[[File:120128 WAKAKUSAYAMA yamayaki.gif|thumb|220px|right|[[Mount Wakakusa|Wakakusa Yamayaki]], an annual festival during which the grass on the hillside of Mount Wakakusayama is set on fire]]
[[File:Yomise(Yatai).JPG|thumb|Stalls selling food or toys are a familiar sight at festivals throughout Japan.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name Matsuri !! Note !! Place
|-
| [[Aoi Matsuri|Aoi]]
| held at [[Shimogamo Shrine]] and [[Kamigamo Shrine]] in May
| [[Kyoto]]
|-
| [[Atsuta Matsuri|Atsuta]]
| held at [[Atsuta Shrine]] in June
| [[Nagoya]]
|-
| [[Awa Odori]]
| held at [[Tokushima, Tokushima]] in August
| [[Tokushima, Tokushima]]
|-
| [[Hakata Dontaku|Dontaku]]
| held on 3–4 May
| [[Fukuoka]]
|-
| [[Gion Matsuri|Gion]]
| held in July
| Kyoto
|-
| [[Hadaka Matsuri|Hadaka]]
| held in February
| [[Okayama]]
|-
| [[Hakata Gion Yamakasa]]
| held at [[Kushida-jinja (Fukuoka)|Kushida-jinja]] in July
| [[Fukuoka]]
|-
| [[Hōnen Matsuri|Hōnen]]
| held at Tagata Shrine in March
| [[Komaki, Aichi|Komaki]]
|-
| [[Jidai Matsuri|Jidai]]
| held on October 22
| Kyoto
|-
| [[Kanamara Matsuri|Kanamara]]
| held at Kanayama shrine in April
| [[Kawasaki, Kanagawa|Kawasaki]]
|-
| [[Kanda Matsuri|Kanda]]
| held at [[Kanda Myojin]] shrine in May
| Tokyo
|-
| [[Akita Kantō|Kanto]]
| held on August 3–7
| [[Akita, Akita|Akita]]
|-
| [[Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri|Kishiwada Danjiri]]
| held in September
| [[Kishiwada, Osaka|Kishiwada]]
|-
|[[Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival]]
|held on July 19–23
|[[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]]
|-
|[[Nagasaki Kunchi]]
|held on 7–9 October
|[[Nagasaki]]
|-
| [[Miki Autumn Harvest Festival]]
| held at [[Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine (Hyōgo)|Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine]] in October
| [[Miki, Hyōgo|Miki]]
|-
| [[Nada no Kenka Matsuri|Nada no Kenka]] ([[:ja:灘のけんか祭り|ja]])
| held at Matsubara Hachiman Shrine in October 14–15
| [[Himeji, Hyōgo|Himeji]]
|-
| [[Nagoya Matsuri|Nagoya]]
| held in Hisaya Ōdori Park in [[Sakae, Nagoya]]
| Nagoya
|-
| [[Aomori Nebuta Matsuri|Nebuta]]
| held from August 2–7
| [[Aomori]]
|-
|[[Ojima Neputa Festival]]
|held on August 14–15
|[[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]]
|-
| [[Sanja Matsuri|Sanja]]
| held at [[Asakusa Shrine]] in May
| Tokyo
|-
| [[Sannō Matsuri|Sannō]]
| held at [[Hie Shrine]] in June
| Tokyo
|-
| [[Tanabata]]
| held on 6–8 August
| [[Sendai]]
|-
| [[Tenjin Matsuri|Tenjin]] ([[:ja:天神祭|ja]])
| held at [[Ōsaka Tenman-gū]] in July
| [[Osaka]]
|-
| [[Mount Wakakusa|Wakakusa Yamayaki]]
| held at [[Nara, Nara|Nara]] in fourth Saturday of January
| [[Nara, Nara|Nara]]
|-
| [[Yosakoi|Yosakoi Matsuri]]
| held in [[Kōchi, Kōchi|Kōchi]] in August
| [[Kōchi, Kōchi| Kōchi]]
|-
| [[Yotaka Masturi|Yotaka]]
| held at [[Tonami, Toyama]] in June
| [[Toyama Prefecture|Toyama]]
|-
|}

===Sapporo Snow Festival (Hokkaido)===
[[Sapporo Snow Festival]] is one of the largest festivals of the year in [[Sapporo]], held in February for one week. It began in 1950 when high school students built snow statues in Odori Park, central Sapporo. The event is now very large and commercialized. About a dozen large sculptures are built for the festival along with around 100 smaller snow and [[ice sculpture]]s. Several concerts and other events are also held.

===Lake Towada Snow Festival===
This lake festival is held in the beginning of February. Held in the town of Yasumiya, this festival is on the south side of [[Lake Towada]] (near the wooden statues). This festival is open all day, but at 5&nbsp;pm one can enjoy activities such as going through a snow maze, exploring a Japanese igloo, and eat foods from Aomori and Akita prefectures. There is a fireworks show and events held on an ice stage.

===[[Aomori Nebuta Matsuri|Aomori Nebuta Festival]]===
This festival is held annually and features colorful lantern floats called nebuta which are pulled through the streets of Central Aomori. This festival is held from about August 2–7 every year. This event attracts millions of visitors. During this festival, 20 large nebuta floats are paraded through the streets near Aomori JR rail station. These floats are constructed of wooden bases and metal frames. Japanese papers, called washi, are painted onto the frames. These amazing floats are finished off with the historical figures or kabuki being painted on the paper. These floats can take up to a year to complete. There is a dance portion of this festival. There are haneto dancers and they wear special costumes for this dance. Everyone is welcome to purchase their own haneto costume that they may too join in on the fun (Mishima, Aomori Nebuta Festival).

===Nango Summer Jazz Festival===
This event is held every year. Thousands of artists from all over Tohoku and even further regions come to Nango to perform. This is the largest open-air jazz concert held in Tohoku region. This festival began in 1989, in a small venue indoors. There was such a large response from the fans that it was expanded into a large annual festival. One must purchase tickets for this event (Bernard, 2007). This summer jazz festival does not cost anything but potential members of the public still need to receive a ticket to enter the event.

===Cherry blossom festivals===
Japan celebrates the entire season of the cherry blossoms. There are festivals in nearly every region of Japan, and some locations, food is available or a park may be decorated with lanterns.
Some locations of cherry blossom festivals include:
*Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival in [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]]. This festival takes place from late January – mid February
*[[Matsuyama Shiroyama Koen Cherry Blossom Festival]] in Matsuyama-city, Ehime. This festival takes place early April.
*Matsue Jozan Koen Festival in Matsue-city, Shimane. This festival has a feature of illuminating the cherry blossom trees at night. This festival takes place late March-early April.
*Tsuyama Kakuzan Koen Cherry Blossom Festival in Tsuyama-city, Okayama. Japanese tea ceremonies and music performers are held at these festivals. This festival is held early-mid April.
*Takato Joshi Koen Cherry Blossom Festival in Takato-machi Ina-city, Nagano prefecture. The trees in this region have pink blossoms. This festival is held early April.
*Takada Koen Cherry Blossom Festival in Joetsu-city, Niigata prefecture. This festival is held early-mid April.
*Kitakai Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival in Kitakami-city, Iwate. This festival is held mid April-early May.
*Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival held in Hirosaki Koen Hirosaki-city, Aomori prefecture. This festival is held late April-early May (Mishima, Cherry Blossom Festivals 2010).

==Outside Japan==
Following the [[Japanese diaspora]], many places around the world celebrate similar festivals, often called {{transl|ja|matsuri}}. [[Brazil]] hosts the [[Japanese Brazilian|largest {{transl|ja|nikkei}} population in the world]] and some Brazilian cities host {{transl|ja|matsuri}} such as [[São Paulo]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.braziltravelblog.com/2010/07/15/tanabata-matsuri-2010/|title=Tanabata Matsuri 2010|website=Braziltravelblog.com|access-date=July 30, 2018}}</ref> and [[Curitiba]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parana-online.com.br/editoria/almanaque/news/183378|title=Governador prestigia 'Imin Matsuri', tradicional festa da colônia japonesa|website=Parana-online.com.br|date=June 19, 2006 |access-date=January 3, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parana-online.com.br/editoria/almanaque/news/561323 |title=Haru Matsuri comemora chegada da primavera em Curitiba – Paraná-Online – Paranaense como você |website=Parana-online.com.br |date=September 23, 2011 |access-date=January 3, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Tadaima! Curitiba |url=http://www.tadaimacuritiba.com.br/evento-hana-matsuri-2011/ |title=Evento: Hana Matsuri 2011 |publisher=Tadaima! Curitiba |date=March 25, 2011 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814000847/http://tadaimacuritiba.com.br/evento-hana-matsuri-2011/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Eventos: Seto Matsuri dias 06 e 07 de novembro|date=October 15, 2010|language=pt|publisher=Tadaima – Cultura Japonesa|author=Myrelle Silva|access-date=January 24, 2012|url=http://www.tadaimacuritiba.com.br/eventos-seto-matsuri-dias-06-e-07-de-novembro|archive-date=May 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502031452/http://www.tadaimacuritiba.com.br/eventos-seto-matsuri-dias-06-e-07-de-novembro/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The United States host the [[Japanese American|2nd largest {{transl|ja|nikkei}} population in the world]] and some American cities host {{transl|ja|matsuri}} such as Los Angeles,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2009/05/13/tanabata-workshop/|title=Tanabata Workshop: A Pre-Nisei Week Celebration by Japanese American National Museum|website=Discovernikkei.org|date=13 May 2009 |access-date=July 30, 2018}}</ref> [[Japantown, San Jose, California|San Jose]] and Phoenix. [[Wales]] has adopted the term {{transl|ja|matsuri}} to name their yearly drift festival. It uses the Japanese name to show the sports Japanese heritage. The event takes place over 2 days at the Anglesey Track, and has been annual for 6 years.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/phoenix-events.html | publisher=Discover Phoenix Arizona | title=Annual Phoenix Events | access-date=September 5, 2015 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923215117/http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/phoenix-events.html | archive-date=September 23, 2015 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

==Nationwide festivals==

===Fixed days===
*[[Seijin Shiki]]: Coming of Age Day (second Monday of January)
*[[Hinamatsuri]]: Doll Festival (March 3)
*[[Hanami]]: Flower Viewing (late March to early May)
*[[Buddha's Birthday|Hanamatsuri]]: Flower Festival (April 8)
*[[Tanabata]]: Star Festival (July 7)
*[[Shichi-Go-San]]: festival day for children aged seven, five and three (November 15)
*[[Ōmisoka]]: New Year's Eve (December 31)

===Multiple days===
*[[Setsubun]]: division of season (beginning of each of the four seasons) (February 3)
*[[Ennichi]]: temple fair (holidays related to Kami and/or Buddha)

===Bunka===
*[[Japanese Cultural Festival]]

==={{Nihongo|New Year|正月|Shōgatsu}}===
{{main|Japanese New Year}}
Date: January 1–3 (related celebrations take place throughout January)

Other Names: Oshōgatsu (O is an honorific prefix)

Information: New Year observances are the most elaborate of Japan's annual events. Before the New Year, homes are cleaned, debts are paid off, and [[osechi]] (food in lacquered trays for the New Year) is prepared or bought. Osechi foods are traditional foods which are chosen for their lucky colors, shapes, or lucky-sounding names in hopes of obtaining good luck in various areas of life during the new year. Homes are decorated and the holidays are celebrated by family gatherings, visits to temples or shrines, and formal calls on relatives and friends. The first day of the year ([[ganjitsu]]) is usually spent with members of the family.

People try to stay awake and eat [[toshikoshi soba]], noodles to be eaten at midnight. People also visit Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Traditionally{{citation needed|date=December 2010}} three are visited. This is called [[sansha-mairi]]. In the [[Tokyo Imperial Palace|Imperial Palace]] at dawn on the 1st, the [[Japanese Emperor|Emperor]] performs the [[Ritual|rite]] of [[shihōhai]] (worship of the four-quarters), in which he offers prayers for the well-being of the nation. On January 2 the public is allowed to enter the inner palace grounds; the only other day this is possible is the [[Emperor's birthday]] (February 23). On the 2nd and 3rd days acquaintances visit one another to extend greetings ([[nenshi (Japan)|nenshi]]) and sip [[otoso]] (a spiced [[rice wine]]). Some games played at New Year's are [[karuta]] (a card game), [[hanetsuki]] (similar to badminton), tako age ([[kiteflying]]), and komamawashi ([[spinning top]]s). These games are played to bring more luck for the year. Exchanging [[New Year's greeting card]]s (similar to [[Christmas Card]]s) is another important Japanese custom. Also special allowances are given to children, which are called [[otoshidama]]. They also decorate their entrances with [[kagami mochi]] (two mochi rice balls placed one on top of the other, with a tangerine on top), and [[kadomatsu]] (pine tree decorations).

A later New Year's celebration, [[Koshōgatsu]], literally means "Small New Year" and starts with the first full moon of the year (around January 15). The main events of Koshōgatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest.

==={{Nihongo|[[Hinamatsuri|Doll Festival]]|雛祭り|Hina-matsuri}}===
Date: March 3

Other Names: {{transl|ja|Sangatsu Sekku}} (3rd month Festival), {{transl|ja|Momo Sekku}} (Peach Festival), {{transl|ja|Joshi no Sekku}} (Girls' Festival)

Information: This is the day when families pray for the happiness and prosperity of their girls to help ensure that they grow up healthy and beautiful. The celebration takes place both inside the home and at the seashore. Both parts are meant to ward off evil spirits from girls and women. Young girls and women put on their best [[kimono]] and visit their friends' homes. Tiered platforms for {{transl|ja|hina ningyō}} ({{transl|ja|hina}} dolls; a set of dolls representing the emperor, empress, attendants, and musicians in ancient court dress) are set up in the home, and the family celebrates with a special meal of {{transl|ja|hishimochi}} (diamond-shaped rice cakes) and {{transl|ja|shirozake}} (rice malt with sake).

==={{Nihongo|[[Hanami]]|花見}}===
[[File:Hanami party, sakura and koi nobori.jpg|thumb|Hanami party along the [[Sakai River (Ōita)|Sakai River]] in [[Beppu]], Oita]]
Date: April

Other Names: Hanami (flower viewing), Cherry Blossom Festival

Information: Various flower festivals are held at Shinto shrines during the month of April. Excursions and picnics for enjoying flowers, particularly cherry blossoms are also common, as well as many drinking parties often to be seen in and around auspicious parks and buildings. In some areas the peach blossom, the traditional flower of Japan (the Cherry being a symbol from the Edo period symbolizing the Samurai culture), is viewed as well though these flowers earlier than the Cherry. In some places flower viewing parties are held on traditionally fixed dates. This is one of the most popular events during spring. The subject of flower viewing has long held an important place in literature, dance, and fine arts. Ikebana (flower arrangement) is also a popular part of Japanese culture and is still practiced by many people today. Some main things people do during this event are games, folk songs, folk dance, flower displays, rides, parades, concerts, kimono shows, booths with food and other things, beauty pageant, and religious ceremonies. Families go out during weekends to see the cherry blossoms, and participate in the many festivals and activities.

==={{Nihongo|[[Buddha's Birthday|Hanamatsuri]]|花祭り}}===
Date: April 8

Other Names: Flower Festival<br>
Information: Hanamatsuri celebrates the birth of the [[Buddha]].  On this day, all temples hold 降誕会 (''Gōtan-e''), 仏生会 (''Busshō-e''), 浴仏会 (''Yokubutsu-e''), 龍華会 (''Ryūge-e'') and 花会式 (''Hana-eshiki''). Japanese people pour ''[[ama-cha]]'' (a beverage prepared from a variety of [[hydrangea]]) on small Buddha statues decorated with flowers, as if bathing a newborn baby. The tradition of bathing the Buddha originated in China and was introduced to Japan where it was first held in [[Nara, Nara|Nara]] in 606.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.meetup.com/pl-PL/buddhism-613/events/59639372/?_cookie-check=q6MkUIbiHx5eZP04|title=Hanamatsuri Service|website=Meetup.com|access-date=July 30, 2018}}</ref> [[Lion dance|Lion dancing]] is also a major tradition practiced during Buddha's Birthday and has become associated with the festival in Japan.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PcvA373XEJwC|title=Asian Material Culture|first1=Marianne|last1=Hulsbosch|first2=Elizabeth|last2=Bedford|first3=Martha|last3=Chaiklin|date=July 30, 2018|publisher=[[Amsterdam University Press]]|isbn=9789089640901|access-date=July 30, 2018|via=Google Books}}</ref>

==={{Nihongo|[[Tanabata]]|七夕}}===
Date: July 7 / August 5–8 (Sendai)

Other Names: The Star Festival<br>
Information: It originated from a Chinese folk legend concerning two stars-the Weaver Star (Vega) and the Cowherd Star (Altair)-who were said to be lovers who could meet only once a year on the 7th night of the 7th month provided it did not rain and flood the Milky Way. It was named Tanabata after a weaving maiden from a Japanese legend, named Orihime who was believed to make clothes for the gods. People often write wishes and romantic aspirations on long, narrow strips of colored paper and hang them on bamboo branches along with other small ornaments.

==={{Nihongo|[[Tōrō nagashi|Japanese Floating Lantern Festival]]|灯籠流し|Tōrō nagashi}}===
Date: July 19

Information: One traditional custom to mark the end of the Bon Festival. Small paper lanterns containing a burning flame are either set afloat to a river, lake or sea or they are let go and float away into the night. Their light is intended to guide the way for deceased family members' spirits. Usually the person who lets the lantern go will write a message on the side.

==={{Nihongo|[[Bon Festival]]|盆|bon}}===
Date: August 13–16

Information: A Buddhist observance honoring the spirits of ancestors. Usually a "spirit altar" (''[[shōryōdana]]'') is set up in front of the [[Butsudan]] (buddhist altar) to welcome the ancestors' souls. A priest may be asked to come and read a [[sutra]] (''tanagyō''). Among the traditional preparations for the ancestors' return are the cleaning of grave sites. The welcoming fire (''mukaebi'') built on the 13th and the send-off fire (''okuribi'') built on the 15th and 16th are intended to guide the ancestor's spirits back to their permanent dwelling place.

==={{Nihongo|[[Leaf_peeping|Momijigari]]|紅葉狩}}===
Date: October-

Information: The Japanese tradition of going to visit [[:wikt:scenic|scenic]] areas where [[leaves]] have turned red in the Autumn.  The tradition is said to have originated in the Heian era as a cultured pursuit.

==={{Nihongo|[[Pocky & Pretz Day|Pocky no Hi]]|ポッキーの日}}===
Date: November 11

Information: The Japanese tradition of buying and eating [[Pocky]] sticks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://japonandmore.com/2017/11/12/el-11-de-noviembre-es-el-pocky-day-en-japon/|title=Pocky No Hi – Día del Pocky en Japón|website=japonandmore.com|date=November 12, 2017 |language=es}}</ref>

==={{Nihongo|"7-5-3" Festival|七五三|[[Shichi-Go-San]]}}===
Date: November 15

Information: Three- and seven-year-old girls and five-year-old boys are taken to the local shrine to pray for their safe and healthy future. This festival started because of the belief that children of certain ages were especially prone to bad luck and hence in need of divine protection. Children are usually dressed in traditional clothing for the occasion and after visiting the shrine many people buy ''chitose-ame'' ("thousand-year candy") sold at the shrine.

===Preparation for the New Year and Year-end fair===
Date: late December

Other Names: {{Nihongo|Year-end|年の瀬|toshi no se}}, {{Nihongo|Year-end Fair|年の市|Toshi no Ichi}}

Information: Preparations for seeing in the new year were originally undertaken to greet the [[toshigami]], or deity of the incoming year. These begin on December 13, when the house was given a thorough cleaning; the date is usually nearer the end of the month now. The house is then decorated in the traditional fashion: A sacred rope of straw (shimenawa) with dangling white paper strips (shide) is hung over the front door to prevent evil spirits from entering and to show the presence of the toshigami. It is also customary to place kadomatsu, an arrangement of tree sprigs, beside the entrance way. A special altar, known as toshidana ("year shelf"), is piled high with kagamimochi (flat, round rice cakes), sake (rice wine), persimmons, and other foods in honor of the toshigami. A fair is traditionally held in late December at shrines, temples or in local neighborhoods. This is in preparation for the new year holidays. Decorations and sundry goods are sold at the fair. Originally these year-end fairs provided opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk and mountain dwellers to exchange goods and buy clothes and other necessities for the coming year.

==={{Nihongo|[[Ōmisoka]]|大晦日|Ōmisoka}}===
Date: December 31 ([[New Year's Eve]])

Information: People do the general house cleaning ([[Ōsōji]]) to welcome coming year and not to keep having impure influences. Many people visit Buddhist temples to hear the temple bells rung 108 times at midnight ([[Joya no Kane|joya no kane]]). This is to announce the passing of the old year and the coming of the new. The reason they are rung 108 times is because of the Buddhist belief that human beings are plagued by 108 earthly desires or passions ([[bonnō]]). With each ring one desire is dispelled. It is also a custom to eat [[toshikoshi soba]] in the hope that one's family fortunes will extend like the long noodles.

==See also==
* [[List of festivals in Japan]]
* [[Abare Festival]]
* [[Culture of Japan]]
* [[Hadaka Matsuri|Naked festival]]
* [[Japanese calendar]]
* [[Jinjitsu]] and [[Nanakusa-no-sekku]]
* [[Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia]]
* [[National Cherry Blossom Festival]], Washington, D.C.
* [[Kōhaku maku]]
* [[Sakai Matsuri]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080101124202/http://mothra.rerf.or.jp/ENG/Hiroshima/Festivals/24.html mothra.rerf.or.jp::hiroshima::about matsuri] an external article covering the topic
*2008 Ministry of Land, I. T. (n.d.). 2008 Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. Retrieved August 6, 2009, from Yokoso! Japan Weeks: http://www.yjw2008.jp/eng/info.php?no=241{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*Bernard, S. (July 11, 2007). Nango Holds Summer Jazz Festival. Retrieved August 9, 2009, from About.com: https://web.archive.org/web/20110612014351/http://www.misawa.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123060239
*Gianola, D. (February 3, 2008). Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. Retrieved August 6, 2009, from VR Mag: http://www.vrmag.org/issue29/CHITOSE_LAKE_SHIKOTSU_ICE_FESTIVAL.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120154853/http://www.vrmag.org/issue29/CHITOSE_LAKE_SHIKOTSU_ICE_FESTIVAL.html |date=November 20, 2008 }}
*Japan-Guide.com. (n.d.). Sapporo Snow Festival. Retrieved August 6, 2009, from Japan-Guide.com: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5311.html
*MisawaJapan.com. (n.d.). Lake Towada Winter Festival. Retrieved August 6, 2009, from MisawaJapan.com: http://www.misawajapan.com/festivals/others/towada_winter.asp
*Mishima, S. (n.d.). Aomori Nebuta Festival. Retrieved August 9, 2009, from About.com: https://web.archive.org/web/20090227134339/http://gojapan.about.com/cs/tohokuregion1/a/aomorinebuta.htm
*Mishima, S. (n.d.). Cherry Blossom Festivals 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2009, from About.com: http://gojapan.about.com/cs/cherryblossoms/a/sakurafestival.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111230913/http://gojapan.about.com/cs/cherryblossoms/a/sakurafestival.htm |date=November 11, 2016 }}
*{{cite journal |last1=Primack |first1=Richard B. |last2=Higuchi |first2=Hiroyoshi |last3=Miller-Rushing |first3=Abraham J. |title=The impact of climate change on cherry trees and other species in Japan |journal=Biological Conservation |date=September 2009 |volume=142 |issue=9 |pages=1943–1949 |doi=10.1016/j.biocon.2009.03.016 |bibcode=2009BCons.142.1943P }}

==External links==
*Official sites
**[http://web-japan.org/atlas/festivals/festi_fr.html Festivals all over Japan]—Japan Atlas
**[https://www.japanese-city.com/calendar/events/index.php?com=searchresult&t=33,30 List All Japanese Festivals in the United States]
**[http://www.jnto.go.jp/ Japan National Tourist Organization] (photo library)
**[http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/RL/yama-hoko-yatai-float-festivals-in-japan-01059 UNESCO Intangible Heritage : Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan] – UNESCO
*Matsuri sites
**[http://www.azmatsuri.org/ Matsuri Festival in Phoenix, Arizona]
**[http://english.tsukudo.jp/feast.html Matsuri Photos of Shinto shrine] (English version)
**[http://www.jasgp.org/sakura Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123151613/http://jasgp.org/sakura |date=January 23, 2008 }}
**[http://www.nippon-matsuri.net/calendar/ Matsuri Calendar]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}(Japanese)
*Private initiative sites/galleries
**[http://www.jciti.com JCITI.COM] about [[Nagoya]], see festivals section.
**[http://www.reggie.net/album.php?albid=854 Reggie.net] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401035057/https://reggie.net/album.php?albid=854 |date=2023-04-01 }}—photographs of Neputa floats in [[Hirosaki]].
**[https://web.archive.org/web/20071012141834/http://japantouring.com/content/view/1/2/ Description of the Odawara Omatsuri festival]—archived.
**[https://web.archive.org/web/20070328195120/http://www.digitalmatsuri.com/ The Digital Matsuri Project]—Japanese festival videos
*Public sites/galleries
**[https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/dls06p/alma99183826516902061 Matsuri Brisbane photographs], [[State Library of Queensland]]

{{Japan topics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Japanese Festivals}}
[[Category:Festivals in Japan|*]]
[[Category:Shinto festivals]]
[[Category:Culture of Japan]]
[[Category:Lists of festivals in Japan|*]]
[[Category:Lists of religious festivals|Shinto]]
[[Category:Traditional holidays]]