Japanese festivals are often based around lifting mikoshi, lovely lighting and general jolliness, with many of them managing all of the above and maybe even more.
Including men boldly bearing their bottom half.
Masks that are both serene and yet strangely unsettling at the same time.
And a varied range of music from extremely complicated looking contraptions,
to decidedly more simple but far more sensational sounding drums.
Plus, of course, the almost obligatory and previously mentioned manhandling of a mikoshi.
All of which, no matter how many times one has seen them, are still as fascinating as the first time.
KotandaM says
Very cool. Really like the 2nd image.
S in Shanghai says
I love the drummer Lee, it’s a good capture.
/S
Ed says
Vivid pictures of japanese life, like the second one. Am i right in the assumption that those masks are made of papier-mâché ?
Lee says
Thanks!
And not sure about the masks Ed. I think I’m right in saying that Noh masks are made of wood, but this kind of mask I’m really not sure.
Jackie says
Hi Lee,
Great photography and great job capturing the essence of Japan and the wonderful festivals. I just came across your site, but I’ll be following you now and awaiting some more great Tokyo photos. Keep up the great work!
Jackie
ait_meijin says
I liked the last one the most. Very touching though funny at the same time. It’s hard to find another place where folks keep such a passion for everything old and traditional. I think it’s a right example to follow. I’ve never been to Japan but have learned about the culture for a while and the feedback positively changed many aspects of my life.
ait_meijin says
ps.: One may say I’ve forgotten to mention the famous British traditions, but they are no more for me, after that rather disappointing story with demolition of Penmorfa, the summer residence of the Liddels family in Llandudno.
Harsha says
Nice Pics, I am staying in Kunitachi from past 20 days .. When did this festival happen?
Could you describe this event (when, what , where )?
Is there anyway I can come to know of such events in and arnd Tokyo(some english website Plz)?
Ria says
this pic reminds me of our Jak-Japan matsuri a couple of weeks ago.
But of course, this one is bigger XD .. nice piccies ^_^)b