Letter from Japan #3
Hello from Japan!
When I think of summer in Japan, one of the first things that comes to mind is 夏祭り (なつまつり, natsu matsuri), a summer festival.
But the 三社大祭 (さんしゃたいさい, Sansha Taisai) in my hometown is something much bigger. It is one of the biggest summer events of the year, and it is not simply a festival that you come to watch. It is a festival that the whole community takes part in.
Each local neighbourhood creates its own magnificent 山車 (だし, dashi), a huge decorated float. Every dashi is different, and many tell a story through their elaborate decorations. You might see characters from a famous Japanese tale, a dramatic battle, or scenes inspired by history and folklore.
Then, from 31 July to 3 August, the floats are pulled through the town towards the centre. Watching them move through the streets, surrounded by people, music and excitement, is an incredible sight.
The festival has a long connection with the local shrines. Traditionally, festivals like this were a time for people to pray for a good harvest, give thanks for the food provided by the land, and ask for protection and prosperity for their community.
What I love most is that each neighbourhood puts so much time, creativity and pride into its own dashi. They are not simply decorations. They represent the people and the community that created them.
For me, the sight of these enormous, colourful floats moving through the town is one of my strongest images of summer in Japan.
When I see them, I don’t just think, “There’s a festival.”
I think, “Summer has arrived.”
A question for you
When you think of summer (なつ, natsu), is there a festival, celebration, or tradition that immediately comes to mind?
If you’re curious
🎐 Learn more about Sansha Taisai
https://visithachinohe.com/stories/sanshataisai_dashititle/
🌸 Learn more about festivals in Japan
https://www.club-t.com/en/ct/kanko/guide/kokunai/info/k_236/
If you ever have the chance to visit a Japanese 夏祭り (natsu matsuri), I hope you’ll experience one for yourself. There’s something very special about seeing an entire community come together to celebrate.
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