Festivals

Japanese Festivals

Across North America, a number of Japanese festivals are celebrated each year. They almost always include special festival foods, decorations, and of course, taiko!

Matsuri

Matsuri means "festival." In Japan, festivals are celebrated all over the country throughout the year for various occasions.

Obon

Obon (or Bon) is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor ancestors. In North America, it refers to the summer festival that revolves around a dance called Bon-Odori.

Yagura

Yagura is the Japanese word for "tower." At obon festivals they often have people dancing or playing taiko on them.

Kohaku Maku

Kohaku maku is a red and white curtain used to give a festive atmosphere to festivals and special occasions.

Chochin

Chochin is a rounded lantern made from bamboo and paper.

Koinobori

Koinobori are cloth fish decorations that are hung outside of the home, wishing good luck the family's children. In Japan, carp are admired for their strength in swimming upstream and overcoming obstacles.

Yukata

Yukata is a Japanese summer garment that is often worn at festivals by both men and women.

Geta

Geta are traditional wooden flip flops that are often worn with yukata.

Tenugui

Tenugui is a thin Japanese hand towel made of cotton that is often used in obon dances. It can be used for anything a towel could be used for, such as washcloth or dishcloth. Tenugui can also be used as a headband, souvenir, or decoration.