What is Matsuri (Japanese Cultural Festival)? (3): The Most Important Concepts of Matsuri – “Hare” and “Ke”

‘Hare’ and ‘Ke’ Is Important for Matsuri (Japanese Cultural Festival)

Hare and Ke are Japanese terms that express the rhythm of daily life. These concepts were introduced by the folklorist Kunio Yanagita, who pointed out that Japanese life, centered around rice farming, followed the cycle of Hare and Ke. This concept of Hare and Ke is important for understanding Matsuri (Japanese Cultural Festival).

Understanding ‘Hare’ and ‘Ke’: The Balance of Special Occasions and Daily Life in Japanese Culture

Hare (晴れ) refers to special occasions such as shrine festivals, temple ceremonies, New Year’s celebrations, seasonal festivals, and life events like weddings and funerals—times of “non-daily” activities.

On the other hand, Ke (褻) represents the “daily” aspects of life, such as work and regular routines. The term “Hare” comes from the word “hare,” meaning “bright,” and is still used today in expressions like “Hare no Butai” (a once-in-a-lifetime important event) and “Haregi” (ceremonial clothing worn on special occasions).

Hare Days: How Special Occasions Transform Daily Life in Japan

Hare days bring change and a sense of purpose to otherwise monotonous lives. On these days, significant changes are reflected in people’s clothing, food, and living arrangements. For instance, people wear “Haregi,” decorate their homes differently, and prepare special foods that are not part of their everyday diet, creating an extraordinary world. This tradition is remarkably similar to that of the Ainu people, the indigenous inhabitants of Hokkaido.

The Role of Alcohol in ‘Hare’ Festivals: Strengthening Community Bonds and Replenishing Energy from the Gods

Notably, alcohol in “Hare” settings was intended to induce a collective sense of euphoria, deepening community bonds. Yanagita noted that the custom of drinking large amounts of sake during festivals stems from this. The reason why otherwise quiet Japanese people become loud and lively during festivals is that these festivals are “Hare” events. For the Japanese, festivals are annual “Hare” days, replenishing energy from the gods.

Welcoming and Sending Off the Gods: The Spiritual Significance of Festival Rituals in Japanese Culture

In traditional Japanese beliefs, gods were thought to descend during festivals and depart afterward. Even today, the basic rituals of festivals involve welcoming the gods, offering sacred sake (miki) and food (mike), expressing prayers or gratitude, and then sending the gods off when the time comes. After the festivals, the food offered to the gods, or similar items, is consumed by the people.

By consuming these offerings, people believed they could absorb the gods’ great spiritual power. Festivals are held at specific times of the year and are closely linked to the seasons, which is one of the characteristics of Japanese festivals. Japan’s annual cycle revolves around rice farming, and festivals are deeply connected to it.

Why Japanese Festivals Are Held Only Once a Year: The Importance of ‘Hare’ Days and Seasonal Timing

In other words, the reason festivals are held only once a year in Japan is due to the seasonal nature of rice farming culture and the purpose of the festivals, which have traditionally been “Hare” days for replenishing energy from the gods. Therefore, having multiple “Hare” days in a year would not be appropriate. Practically speaking, it would also have been impossible to sustain festivals as “Hare” days in terms of time, physical energy, and financial resources.

Because of this, it’s clear that Japanese festivals are held only once a year, and it’s unrealistic to expect them more frequently. Travelers should plan their trips to coincide with festival dates.

Explore Frequent Festivals in Japan: Discover Local Shrine Celebrations and Deepen Your Cultural Understanding

However, if the size of the festivals isn’t a concern, many festivals are held almost weekly somewhere in Japan. Even in Shinjuku Ward, where our travel tours take place, many shrine festivals are held.

For instance, the Suwa Shrine Reitaisai (annual festival) near our office took place on August 27. Additionally, as mentioned in the blog two days ago, the Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine Reitaisai in Kagurazaka is coming up on September 15, and the Akagi Shrine Reitaisai is on September 19. By checking with local tourist information centers about shrine festivals, you’ll likely find more opportunities to enjoy festivals.

Understanding why Japanese festivals are held only once a year will allow you to enjoy them more deeply and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, personality, and history.

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How to Access Kagurazaka

The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.