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The online magazine HIGHLIGHTING JAPAN

JULY 2023

SUMMER TRADITIONS IN JAPAN

Cover June 2023

INDEX

  • In Japan, summer corresponds to the months of June, July, and August in terms of weather conditions. While summer in Japan is an important season for growing crops, the extremely high heat and humidity can make it uncomfortable as well. Many different summer traditions, or fubutsushi, have developed as forms of wisdom or inventive means of coping with the intense heat. In this month's issue of Highlighting Japan, we explore a range of different typical Japanese summertime fubutsushi, from summer festivals and fireworks displays to summer-style confectionery, fireflies, wind chimes, and more.

FEATURES

  • Interview with Miura Yasuko, a Japanese culture researcher

  • Introducing highlights of the Nebuta Festival, a representative Japanese summer festival held in Aomori Prefecture

  • Introduction of the Omagari Fireworks Festival, with its representative Japanese fireworks display

  • Introducing the Textile Thanksgiving — Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival, which originated from summertime observances performed in reverence to the stars

  • Introducing wagashi confectionery that inspire cool freshness, a summer tradition in the high heat and humidity of summer weather of Kyoto

  • Introducing the Yosakoi Festival held in Kochi city, where more than 18,000 odoriko dancers perform lively dances

  • Interview with Nomiyama Kei, a photographer as well as an associate professor at Ehime University, about the charms of fireflies flying through rural satoyama environments in summer

  • Introduction of the Wind Chime Festival held in the area of Okawachiyama in Imari, Saga Prefecture

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