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A summer house in Hampton, vacations at sur de France, or just watching TV in an air-conditioned room as cool as a cucumber....
What is the first thing you think of when you feel summer is coming?
For those who grew up in Japan like me, that would be Natsu Matsuri .
As you probably might know, Matsuri refers to Japanese traditional festivals or holidays,  and Natsu means summer in Japanese.
Matsuri are mostly sponsored by a local shrine or temple and the season of Matsuri varies in each area throughout Japan. However, most likely there is one or two Natsu Matsuri in summer in many local areas. Just to give an idea, I'd like to introduce my Natsu Matsuri experience at a shrine in my neighborhood.
Every year I begin to feel summer coming with the sound of kids' practicing Japanese drum (called Taiko) at a shrine in my neighborhood. I, myself, also would join a group of Japanese drum when I was little, and the sound still now reminds me of every  exciting and fun experience of Matsuri.
The highlight of Natsu Matsuri in my neighborhood is Omikoshi and Bon-dancing. Omikoshi refers to a portable shrine (how convenient in Japan!) carried by local people like in the picture. It is said that in the old days when people lived hunting and gathering, Omikoshi was used to celebrate and wish good harvest. After shrines were established, Omikoshi began to be considered as a vehicle of gods. Today most likely those muscular men lead the portable shrine, but also women and little kids can join carrying or even just touching the portable shrine as well . It gives you a sense of togetherness, energy and sacred feeling that you are carrying a sacred vehicle or sacred spirit.
 Another highlight is Bon-dancing. It's a kind of traditional dance and people dance in a raw making a circle at a shrine. It's customary to wear Yukata (lighter Kimono) for women and Jinbe for men on dancing. The dances are usually very easy to learn for from little kids like 5 to the well experienced like 80.
In a larger scope, there are several biggest Matsuri held in summer throughout Japan. For example, in Tokushima prefecture, you can find magnificent dancers in Awa dancing Festival held in August. 
Dancers dance and walk with some instruments like Japanese castanets, drum, or Shamisen. They dance walking and dancing in a row and their dances are not only beautifully synchronizing but also even mysterious and sexy. The dancers are local people in the area who have been practicing the dance earnestly for many months. It's totally different from dance festivals like Canival in Rio, but I'm pretty sure you can feel the heart of Japan while watching the Awa dancing in Tokushima. If you have a chance and time to google, please check it out, the key word is gMatsurih.
Lying on a beach with tranquility would be great, but I'm sure joining in Natsu Matsuri in Japan also could be unforgettable experience! |
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