In Japan "matsuri", meaning festival, takes many forms. To a lot of Japanese "matsuri" has even become a whole lifestyle. "Matsuri" has a long history in Japan and was at first a ritual initiated at shrines. As many as 80.000 shrines organize festivals every year, and the ones that are officially registered include the small-sized, with only a few hundred participants, to the big and famous, which attract several hundred thousand or even more than a million people. Yearly there are in all about 300.000 festivals in Japan. "Matsuris" are often celebrations of the seasons and reflect changes in the nature. Japanese starts a new year with a "matsuri" and many people go to a shrine to greet the gods and wish for good health and fortune. The "New Year matsuri" is kicked-off at midnight on the 31st of December and in many cases stretches out till the end of January. At the shrines you can buy lucky charms and items with the New Year's zodiac animal, which in 2009 is a cow. Besides from this there are also food and drink stands, selling all kinds of Japanese fast food and sweets, among which "amazake", hot and sweet sake is especially popular in the cold winter weather.

 

Festivals are also shaped by the traditions and peculiarities of their regions, and to many towns and villages a "matsuri" is seen as a major way to promote the local products and specialties. "Matsuri" is BIG business. It's a great chance to attract tourists and represents a substantial economical force. There is a constant competition between the major festivals, among which "Aomori Nebuta matsuri", taking place early August, is acclaimed as one of the most colorful, vibrant and spectacular festivals in Japan. Its characteristic huge lanterns in all kinds of shapes and colors attract more than 1 million onlookers every year. People, who make the lanterns, do this as a hobby, often working the whole year round on their pieces. The many active participants at the festival are volunteers, who create a very down to earth and friendly atmosphere that gives a sense of unity. In connection with the "Nebuta matsuri" there is another festival that at first sight may seem like a copy of Halloween, but which actually is based on old local traditions. The original task at the "matsuri" was to gather candles to light up the lanterns during "Nebuta matsuri", however, with time the tradition has changed and so now children gather candies instead.

 Even though "matsuri" comes from ancient traditions it is still alive today, and its popularity is even increasing, especially among young people. It is uniquely Japanese and deeply rooted in the country's culture and the people's living. You can always, at any time of the year find a "matsuri" somewhere in Japan. It is often based around one or two main events, with food stands, performances and games to keep people entertained. Some festivals are connected to shrines or temples and some to "hana-bi" (fireworks), events taking place mainly during summer. At other festivals people put themselves to a certain challenge, often meaning young men gathering together to show their strength, collectively testing their manhood. For instance at a "hadaka matsuri" literally meaning "naked festival", lots of men who are barely wearing any clothes defy the winter cold and wrestle each other in the snow.

 When joining a "matsuri" in Japan it is easy to see why so many Japanese center their life on such events. "Matsuri" has a gathering effect on people and their community, creating a strong social network. It also gives people a chance to relax and have fun, and forget about the problems and worries of everyday life. During a "matsuri" the atmosphere is suddenly changed and people seem more cheerful and happy. The normally timid and reserved Japanese are transformed into lively and outgoing people, who do not seem afraid of being in the spotlight. By dancing and performing together in a crowd this makes it easier for them to dare to let them selves go. "Matsuri" is a fun happening that gives people something to look forward to, and is a culture that the active participants live in all year round. To the many volunteers, one could say that "matsuri" is life. The millions of people, especially all of the children engaged in the "matsuri" movement, give life to a vigorous Japanese cultural spirit that will live on for generations and generations, "WASSHOI, WASSHOI", Heave Ho, let's make it "matsuri-time"!