Investigating Japanese festivals and holidays
Investigating Japanese Festivals and Holidays Japan is a country of long-standing traditions and customs. As such, the Japanese have a wide variety of festivals and holidays throughout the year. It could be said that Japan is a prime example of a country that works around its culture in order to celebrate its meaningful occasions, rather than letting its culture being restricted by the holidays. From the oshogatsu or New Year’s celebration, to the bonenkai, or end of the year party, festivals and holidays in Japan pay homage to the ancient imperial ceremonies, Shinto deities and deities of Buddhism, as well as to their own unique culture and traditions. Some of these are so popular that they are celebrated all over Japan, while others are more localized, celebrated only in certain areas more distant from the central Japanese islands. Origins of Japanese Festivals and Holidays It is no secret that Japanese culture and traditions have been heavily influenced by Chinese and Korean pas...