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  • 執筆者の写真Narelle Katsumoto
    • 3 日前
    • 読了時間: 2分

Autumn Tapestry: A Season of Celebration and Contemplation in Japan


Autumn Tapestry: Japan's Mid-Autumn Festival

As the summer heat fades, Japan transforms into a sanctuary of cool breezes, welcoming the arrival of a new season. Light showers mark the beginning as the landscapes prepare to glow with warm shades of yellow, maroon, and orange. Autumn is a season of gratitude, a time to honor the harvest and look ahead with hope for what lies ahead. As the season unfolds, the country comes alive with vibrant festivals, embracing the spirit of autumn in new and joyful ways.




Autumn festivals in Japan celebrate the bountiful harvest, with each region adding its own unique flavor to the festivities. From the lively procession of mikoshi (portable shrines) parading through the streets to the graceful kagura performances at local shrines, there's no shortage of cultural experiences during this season. Rice, a sacred and essential crop, takes center stage, with freshly harvested rice often offered to the gods during these rituals.




One of the most beloved festivals is otsukimi, or moon viewing, held in mid-September to honor the harvest moon, believed to be the most beautiful of the year. Families and friends gather to admire the bright full moon, enjoy tsukimi dango (moon-shaped rice dumplings), and decorate with Japanese pampas grass, representing the rice stalks of the harvest.



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Shichi-Go-San: A Celebration of Growth and Good Fortune


Autumn isn’t just about the harvest; it’s also a time to celebrate family. On November 15, children across Japan take part in Shichi-Go-San, a tradition that celebrates the healthy growth of boys aged three and five, and girls aged three and seven. Dressed in beautiful kimonos, children visit local shrines with their families to pray for their well-being and long lives. It’s a heartwarming festival that brings families together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. 


During this celebration, children are gifted chitose-ame, long red and white candy sticks that symbolize longevity. The candy comes in bags adorned with images of cranes and turtles, both symbols of a long life in Japanese culture.



Higan: A Time for Reflection


While autumn is a time for celebration, it’s also a moment for quiet reflection. Higan, the autumn equinox around September 23, is a special time when the day and night are of equal length, symbolizing balance. It is believed that the worlds of the living and the deceased are closest during this period. Many people visit ancestral graves on this day to honor their memory by cleaning the sites and offering flowers and incense. The practice of visiting graves during higan reflects Japan's deep connection to its traditions and reverence for family.













Japan’s Autumn In Essence


Autumn in Japan is a rich tapestry of celebration, gratitude, and reflection. As the country comes alive with colorful festivals and joyful gatherings, it also takes time to honor its rich cultural heritage and cherished memories. From the lively harvest festivals and enchanting moon-viewing nights to the poignant Higan rituals, each tradition offers a unique glimpse into Japan's soul. Embracing the beauty and balance of autumn, the Japanese people celebrate their past, enjoy the present, and look forward to a future filled with hope and gratitude.


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