Cover image by Toshiya Nagayama
Thank you for the many submissions to the recently concluded hashtag campaign #Festival.
A plethora of photos were submitted, from large historic festivals to local summer festivals, and the excitement is palpable. This hashtag campaign also reaffirmed the existence of many charming festivals across Japan that are still relatively unknown.
We will feature and introduce several works from those gathered during the campaign.
Editor’s Choice #Festival
Image by Toshiya Nagayama
Toshiya Nagayama
Itoman Great Tug-of-War
Held annually on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month in Itoman City, Okinawa, the Itoman Great Tug-of-War features a rope that is 180 meters long when combined. The community divides into north and south to pull against each other.
cizucu Editorial Team
Itoman's festival in Okinawa. It is said to be a festival wishing for good health and abundant harvests, and notably, the massive rope is handmade each year, weighing up to 2 tons! The synergy between the historic festival and monochrome photography, along with the expressions of people conveying the festival's energy, make for a wonderful photo.
Image by Pianeer_Buliang
Pianeer_Buliang
cizucu Editorial Team
A photo believed to be from the 'Doroinkyo' festival in Ageo City, Saitama. Energetic men, bare-chested and covered in mud, carry a mikoshi (portable shrine), and it is said that being covered in this mud brings blessings. Apparently, even the mikoshi is covered in mud during this festival...
The sight of men covered in mud, preserving the tradition of the land, exudes energy.
Image by May
May
cizucu Editorial Team
A photo from the Gion Festival in Kyoto. Traditional floats parade through the modernized downtown of Kyoto, creating a delightful contrast. The charm that cannot be achieved by seeking efficiency and convenience is something that has been preserved through the ages. We hope it continues to be passed down for many years to come.
In Conclusion
How was it?
Besides the photos introduced here, many wonderful photos showcasing the splendid traditions and festivals of various regions were gathered.
Summer is still ongoing, and festivals will continue to be held nationwide. Please be sure to tag your festival photos with #Festival when you post them this summer!
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