Hiroshima International Animation Festival 2018
Jul 30, 2018 By Matt Mangham
Both of my daughters have attended and enjoyed this wonderful local film festival for their entire lives. If you’re living in Hiroshima, or are lucky enough to be passing through town between the August 23 and 27, you have to make time in your schedule to drop by, if only...[ Click to read more ]
August 6th, Anniversary of the Bombing of Hiroshima
By Matt Mangham
The entire world knows what happened in Hiroshima on the morning of August 6th, 1945. Today, the events that occurred on that date and in the following days are one of the main reasons that Hiroshima receives such a disproportionately high number (for a city its size) of visitors. You...[ Click to read more ]
Understanding Japan: What is Obon?
By Bert Wishart
For many foreigners working in Japan, Obon is a great time, as most companies close for a bit of a summer holiday; it gives us a chance to hit the beach, travel, or just hang out at home glued to the air conditioner. In fact, many Japanese see it as...[ Click to read more ]
Aomori Prefecture’s Nebuta Festival
By Bert Wishart
Throughout July and August there are festivals all over Japan celebrating all manner of things - from the literal star-crossed lovers of Tanabata to the returning of deceased ancestors at Obon. However, for the citizens of Aomori Prefecture, August is a time to celebrate warriors of the past. 'Nebuta' festivals,...[ Click to read more ]
Bon Odori Dancing Festivals in Tokyo
Jul 27, 2018 By Jason Gatewood
Obon is an annual event where Buddhists and Confucians celebrate their ancestors. Buddhists and many Japanese people in general believe that every year during Obon their ancestor's spirits will return from "beyond the grave" for three days to visit with relatives they left behind. The highlight of summer in Japan is...[ Click to read more ]
Buying Summer Yukata in Nagoya
By Bert Wishart
If you have been to any of this summer's fireworks festivals around Nagoya and Aichi you may have noticed many people wearing traditional Japanese dress and wondered what was going on. Well, summer festivals are a time when Japanese and foreigners alike can wear yukata, a summer and informal variant...[ Click to read more ]
Celebrate Bon Odori By the Kobe Seaside
Jul 25, 2018 By Justin Hanus
Bon Odori festivals are well known as an entertaining and interesting summer events across Japan, and Kobe’s seaside fest is no exception. Bon Odori, or simply Bon dances, are some of the most exciting open-air parties that Japan offers, and they’re fun for all ages! Since the Obon holiday is...[ Click to read more ]
Gujo Hachiman Bon Dancing Festival in Gifu
Jul 11, 2018 By First Admin
For four magical nights each August, at Gujo Hachiman in Gifu, dancers revelers line the streets until dawn breaks over the surrounding mountains in celebration of Obon. Across most of Japan, the festival of Obon is celebrated from the 13th-15th of August (there are some regional variances). This festival is not only...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima Port Dream Fireworks
Jun 26, 2018 By Matt Mangham
Summer in Japan just doesn’t quite work without taking in at least one fireworks show. Hiroshima has several, but the two big crowd pleasers are the Miyajima show in August, and what is called the Yumehanabi, or “Dream Fireworks” from Hiroshima Port in the Ujina district. Formerly held directly in...[ Click to read more ]
Theatre Iridescence Presents Medea
Jun 20, 2018 By Admin
HELL HATH NO FURY... An adaptation of the Greek play by Euripides, Medea is a tale of love and revenge. It tells the story of a wife's all-consuming desire for revenge against her unfaithful husband.Our version of this Greek tragedy is set in Japan and features a multicultural cast...[ Click to read more ]
