Japan happily adopts new trends and customs, more often than not blending them so effortlessly into the culture that in no time at all they are part of the culture. But, as rapidly as things change, in many ways they also stay very much the same. An impressive feat that is particularly noticeable when it comes to traditional festivals.
Almost always boisterous and packed affairs, it’s immediately clear that many of them haven’t altered much in the countless decades they have been held. Something that’s especially true when it comes to Asakusa’s Sanja Matsuri, which dates back as far as the sixteen hundreds in its current form. Plus many more centuries earlier in regards less organised celebrations.
An event that, along with the same customs, is clearly just as much fun as it has always has been.
Of a very similar intensity too.
The only real change being the faces on show — both of those involved, and those not.
Magnus369 says
Looks like he wants to take your camera away in that last picture…
Lee says
A little bit, yeah. It got a bit hairy at times. Me and countless other people were squeezed in at the sides, and he and others were desperately trying to steer the mikoshi down the street with people getting injured, or property damaged. A feat he managed with considerable skill.
Marc Tobolski says
Nice shots! Incredibly cramped quarters to compose and execute these. Better than Osaka where it is similar to the running of the bulls and bystanders beware!
Lee says
Cheers!
Yeah, there wasn’t much room at all. Although whilst a bit hairy at times, it doesn’t sound anywhere near as chaotic as Osaka.
Sonia Afonso says
Great pictures!
I really enjoy Tokyo Times!
Lee says
Thank you!
Dochimichi1 says
Excellent pictures!
Lee says
Thank you very much!