From 'Bon Odori' to 'Goldfish Scooping'! Foreigners Hooked on 'Japanese Summer Festivals'

Aug 19, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Japanese summer festivals, or "matsuri," are a beloved tradition, attracting many who revel in the joy of Bon Odori, indulge in street food, and try their hand at classic festival games. How are foreign visitors enjoying these summer festivities?

One highlight is the Hachioji Festival, where over 800,000 people gather annually to experience traditional Japanese culture. The festival features a parade of massive floats accompanied by music and lively chants. Among the crowd, many foreign visitors could be seen, capturing the vibrant scenes on their cameras.

A French family, visiting for the first time, was particularly enchanted by the Lion Dance, remarking how lively and engaging it was. The father, camera in hand, couldn't resist filming as his daughters joined in the Bon Odori, trying to mimic the movements. "It's fun but exhausting!" they said, drenched in sweat after the energetic dance.

Bon Odori masters, both local and foreign, were a common sight, impressing onlookers with their skill. A woman from Libya, participating for the first time, noted how different the dance was from the familiar belly dance of her homeland, yet found it equally enjoyable.

Visitors from Luxembourg expressed their fondness for traditional Japanese music, purchasing CDs as souvenirs to bring a piece of the festival atmosphere back home. They were captivated by the unique sounds of the instruments, which added to the special experience of the festival.

The festival's food stalls were also a big hit, offering a variety of local delicacies. A group of interns from overseas tried their hand at Bon Odori after enjoying tsukiji-style skewers and tamagoyaki. "It’s fun but tiring," they admitted, as they struggled to keep up with the intricate dance steps.

Among the many games available, goldfish scooping proved to be a favorite, with one visitor expertly catching eight goldfish. Another popular attraction was the shooting gallery, where a young boy from Germany, visiting Japan for the first time, tried his luck. Though he missed the target, he walked away thrilled with a toy knife as his prize.

Japanese summer festivals, with their lively dances, delicious food, and engaging games, are leaving a lasting impression on foreign visitors, offering a unique glimpse into Japan's rich cultural traditions.

Source: TBS

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