What is Matsuri (Japanese Cultural Festival)? (1)
What is Matsuri (Japanese Cultural Festival)? (1): The Reason Why Matsuri is Held Only Once a Year Do You Know Why Matsuri (Japanese Festivals) Are Held Only Once a Year? Japanese festivals are popular among foreign travelers. While festivals exist worldwide, the unique decorations, large scale, and long history of Japanese festivals, such as the Mikoshi (portable shrines) and Dashi (floats), are particularly captivating. Even for Japanese people, who generally appreciate minimalist aesthetics like Wabi-Sabi, the extravagant decorations of festivals stand out as something different. However, many of these festivals are held only once a year (for one or a few days), which can be disappointing for travelers whose schedules don’t align with the timing of the festivals. So, why are Matsuri (Japanese festivals) held only once a year? Let’s explore the reasons. The Purpose and Timing of Japanese Matsuri In short, the timing of festivals is determined by their purpose. Many festivals are held as a form of prayer for good fortune, such as “bountiful harvests,” “abundant fish catches,” “prosperous business,” “warding off epidemics,” “health and safety,” and “prosperity of descendants.” The timing and events of these festivals vary greatly depending on their specific purposes. Japanese festivals are