One of the facts that has always fascinated me about Japan is that even though it had the image of super technologically advanced country, it still preserved it's original culture and traditions. It's sad looking at some of it going away, but I hope it comes back someday. Btw, going into freezing water in the middle of winter? That's some commitment!
Yeah, Japan is very big on preserving culture and traditions! Also on painful experiences in tradition like dumping icy water over your head in February!
I love your passion and enthusiasm for these Japanese traditions! It's really important to have people like you talk about these matsuri. The Japan Times had also released a podcast last summer talking about the decline of these matsuri. It's sad to see that it really is declining. I hope younger generations find interest in these and can keep perpetuating these festivities.
What a wonderful tradition - and so sad that it may expire. I hope this particular festival may yet survive. Thank you for sharing this, and thank you for this effort to increase awareness that may yet rescue this great tradition.
I’m loving your videos so far! Found you through the Takashii channel. I love the history and especially like hearing about the ancient history of these parts of Japan.
Great video, I love learning about different matsuri throughout Japan, like you said they are such a wonderful aspect of Japanese culture. I really enjoy your descriptions of them and the stories they are based on. The temple itself is really lovely and like so many Japanese shrines and temples it fits so beautifully into its landscape, adding beauty to it and never overpowering or visually dominating it. Can I ask what denomination this temples is, something about it seems rather Shingon, but I'm probably wrong. I'm sad that the festival is ending; I really do hope that Japan finds a way to encourage more people to move from the cities back into the countryside - something which nowadays has to be easier with remote working etc - so that these beautiful communities with their intensely rich culture can flourish into the future. I don't know what the Japanese government is doing to encourage people to move to Tohoku, but they could take a leaf out of your book, as your videos are beautiful introductions to a part of Japan that many people overlook. Keep up your most excellent work!
Close! It's Tendai, not Shingon, but yeah- I initially had guessed Shingon as well before I asked. I really do hope that the remaining festivals are able to be preserved before it comes to this!
I feel like no matter how long one lives in Japan, there is always something new to learn about the meaning behind matsuri and traditions. Thank you for sharing this particular matsuri with us. It’s really cool that young people step in where they can to preserve these traditions, even if this particular one has too many variables to continue in its current form.
Yeah, totally agree! As country with such a long history (compared the United States), each village can have some amazing tradition going back generations!
Funny how all people have a story about gods rewarding the hospitality given to poor travelers... Probably because most stories used to be spread by travelers :)
So even Japan with its thausends of years old traditions falls into the bad habits of the modern world. Everyone wants to have fun and enjoy the good thing the fathers created but don't want to do anything for it. This is so sad!
It is really sad. But in this case it's a bit more complicated than that. There are a lot of people that volunteered to help with things, but because of the secret religious nature of some of the preparations, and how far in advance things begin, it wasn't logistically possible... At least that's how they're presenting it.
