In spring we wish for a plentiful planting, for the summer we pray for the condolence of our ancestors, in the fall we offer up thanks for the harvest and in winter we do away with our impurities from the past year.
The festivals that we have in Japan are largely connected to the four seasons, which dwell deep in the hearts of the people. The festivals are not just those rooted in history, but there are those that have been started to revive a town, etc.. Through the year, the different festivals that become established across the land of Japan give off vitality. Each area has it's own unique culture that is breathed out through the festivals and so ties to the land are deepened- person to person ties and person to town. And this is an important job to take on.
For "In Japan"'s first edition, we will look at and introduce 25 different festivals from across Japan. We greatly encourage you to go and experience for yourself some of these festivals that live alongside the people of the land.
