Tag Archives: festivals

Life In Japan: Annual Neighborhood Curry and Bingo Party

Posted on November 12, 2019 by johnrachel

There is so much community here in Japan, at least where I live. Maybe this is not the case in the big cities, but at least here, the people living in my “village”, the neighborhood community on the eastern edge of the city I live in, get together regularly and do things or just have a good time. It’s very charming! More importantly, because of all of these social affairs, I feel like I belong here as part of an extended family. It also gives everyone a stake in keeping the neighborhood safe, clean, wholesome. Friendly smiles and greetings are the norm. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Festival of the Portable Shrines

Posted on October 24, 2019 by johnrachel

Every year during the third week in October we have a most unique and marvelous festival here called the Festival of the Portable Shrines, as the streets fill with colorful costumes, huge shrines either on wheels or being carried by the heartier men — many of whom are extremely inebriated on local sake — and visitors from all over who come to enjoy the festivities. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Ground Golf

Posted on May 10, 2019 by johnrachel

Why does my hometown maintain a huge playing field for ground golf? To give old folks something to do and an excuse to socialize. Can you imagine? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: A Lost Wallet

Posted on October 22, 2018 by johnrachel

Every year in October, we have here in Sasayama — my hometown — the Festival of the Portable Shrines. It’s one of my favorites! An incident occurred during this year’s festival which speaks volumes about the people here and the general level of moral integrity. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Festivals

Posted on August 25, 2018 by johnrachel

While Japan is called The Land of the Rising Sun, my personal preference would be The Land of the Festivals. The entire calendar is littered with fascinating, extremely entertaining, family-oriented festivals. Continue reading →

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