Japan is one of my favourite destinations, a home away from home. I simply always admired it for how well the tradition and progress blend in together, how the meaning of respect is a way of life and how being humble is still an important value in the society.
Japan is all about celebrations, from season changing, Bon festivals, Tanabata, Doll festival, etc. The summer is the best time to be in Japan for me (apart from the heat and humidity) because of the numerous traditional festivals followed by spectacular fireworks. I attended one of the largest one in Aomori called Nebuta matsuri or Nebuta festival which is always held in August. It is a must see festival with a spectacular large lanterns. While rolling them on the streets they are shouting ラッセラーラッセラー(rasserā) inviting everyone to join.
The lanterns are incredible to see in the evening when they are lit up and it feels like they just float towards you, hence the name Nebuta. The characters on them are usually from old folk’s tales, historical or mythical ones. It is simply a joyous festival bringing the young and the old together. Remarkable sound of the taiko drums and cheerful dancers simply create an ecstatic atmosphere.
Another of my favourite authentic Japanese experiences has to be the sumo wrestling competition in Tōkyō. Traditional Japanese sport practiced only in Japan. The match is held in a ring and whoever gets the opponent out of the ring first or makes him touch the ground apart from their feet wins. Therefore the matches are usually very short. The tournaments are held on Sundays and last whole afternoon but the stadium gets full only in the last few hours of the tournaments once the ‘big guys’ hit the ring and the atmosphere gets pretty exciting.
