The Evolution of Japanese Festivals: From Ancient Times to the Present
The oldest records of Japanese festivals can be found in Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), the oldest existing historical text in Japan, written in the 8th century. Kojiki is a collection of various Japanese myths and historical accounts. One such story is as follows:
“The sun goddess, Amaterasu Omikami, shut herself inside the heavenly rock cave (Amano-Iwato), causing the world of gods (Takama-ga-hara) and the human world to be plunged into darkness. As a result, all sorts of calamities arose. The gods gathered at the Heavenly Riverbank and asked the god of wisdom, Omoikane, to devise a solution. Following his plan, they made various preparations, and then the goddess Ame-no-Uzume bound bamboo leaves together, draped a plant called Hikage-no-Kazura across her shoulders, and stood in front of the rock cave where Amaterasu was hiding. She overturned a bucket, stomped on it, and performed a trance-like dance. The gods burst into laughter, and Amaterasu, curious about the commotion, peeked out of the cave, allowing the sun to return to the world.”
This story is considered the origin of Japanese festivals. The goddess Ame-no-Uzume, who appears in this tale, is still revered today as the goddess of festivals and dance.
In ancient Japan, people believed that gods resided in natural elements such as mountains, giant trees, forests, lakes, and the sea. Furthermore, they believed that after death, spirits would go to the realm of the dead before merging with nature and protecting their descendants.
Those who have seen the anime My Neighbor Totoro may remember the scene where Totoro was sleeping inside a hollow tree. In the film, Totoro represents a “forest god.” Inside Totoro’s tree, there is a simple shrine, indicating the presence of gods. Over time, these simple shrines evolved into modern Shinto shrines.
People began holding festivals to celebrate and give thanks for the arrival of spring, to welcome the spirits of their ancestors in summer, and to celebrate the harvest and show gratitude to the gods and ancestral spirits in autumn. This was the prototype of festivals.
Even today, many famous Japanese festivals that attract tourists from around the world originated as rituals for ancestral remembrance, prayers for good harvests, or protection against epidemics. For local residents, these festivals are often important religious events. Therefore, it may be beneficial to research the history and significance of each festival before participating.
During peaceful periods such as the Heian and Edo periods, many festivals emerged. Here are some that continue to this day:
Heian Period (794–1185)
During the Heian period (794–1185), the capital was moved from Nara to Kyoto, and elegant festivals organized by the aristocracy began. Some festivals that originated in this period and continue today include:
1. Gion Festival – Kyoto
- Start Date: 869
- Overview: Began as a festival to ward off plagues; it is the annual festival of Yasaka Shrine. The grand Yamaboko parade is famous.
- Event Period: July 1–31 every year
- Official Website: ja.kyoto.travel
- Details: Gion Festival is one of Japan’s three major festivals. It features a variety of events, with the highlight being the grand Yamaboko parade on July 17 and 24. The 34 festival floats parading through Kyoto are so ornate that they are called a “moving art museum.”
2. Aoi Festival – Kyoto
- Start Date: Before 794
- Event Date: May 15 every year
- Route: Kyoto Imperial Palace (10:30 AM) → Shimogamo Shrine (around 11:40 AM) → Kamigamo Shrine (around 3:30 PM)
- Details: Aoi Festival is the annual festival of Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine. Over 500 people dressed in Heian-period court attire parade from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to both shrines, creating a majestic spectacle.
3. Iwashimizu Festival – Kyoto
- Start Date: Early Heian period
- Event Date: September 15 every year
- Official Website: iwashimizu.or.jp
- Details: Iwashimizu Festival is a ritual at Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, praying for national peace and bountiful harvests. It features processions of portable shrines and children dressed in traditional attire.
4. Kasuga Festival – Nara
- Start Date: Heian period
- Event Date: March 13 every year
- Official Website: kasugataisha.or.jp
- Overview: The annual festival of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, featuring traditional dance performances and religious ceremonies.
Edo Period (1603–1868)
The Edo period was an era of peace and economic stability, leading to the growth of cities and the flourishing of commoner culture. Many festivals that originated in this period are still celebrated today.
1. Kanda Festival – Tokyo
- Event Date: Mid-May in odd-numbered years (Next event in May 2025)
- Official Website: Wikipedia
- Details: The annual festival of Kanda Myojin Shrine and one of Japan’s three major festivals. It features parades of mikoshi (portable shrines) and festival floats.
2. Fukagawa Hachiman Festival – Tokyo
- Event Date: Mid-August every year (Full-scale festival occurs every three years; next in 2025)
- Official Website: Official site of Tomioka Hachiman Shrine
- Details: The annual festival of Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, also known as the “water-splashing festival,” where participants throw water on mikoshi carriers.
3. Tenjin Festival – Osaka
- Event Date: July 24–25 every year
- Official Website: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine official site
- Details: The annual festival of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and one of Japan’s three major festivals. Famous for its land and river processions, as well as a grand fireworks display.
4. Awa Odori – Tokushima
- Event Date: August 12–15 every year
- Official Website: Tokushima City Awa Odori official site
- Details: One of Japan’s three major Bon Odori dance festivals. Groups of dancers, known as “ren,” parade through the streets performing traditional Awa Odori dances.
These festivals, which began in ancient times, have evolved while maintaining their original religious significance. Today, they serve as both sacred rituals and vibrant cultural events that attract people from all over the world. Whether participating in a traditional Heian-era procession or joining the lively dance of Awa Odori, experiencing a Japanese festival offers a glimpse into the country’s deep spiritual and cultural heritage.
