Label: Japan

Wednesday 13th July 2011

Festival of Souls – Obon Japanese Festival

The Festival of Souls also called Obon or the Festival of Lanterns, is a Buddhist celebration, starts today on July 13th in Japan. The Japanese believe that during this period the souls of their ancestors return to their homes on earth. This is the time when people can guide and help their ancestors’ spirits to... Read More

Thursday 14th April 2011

Another Red Festival? Takayama Matsuri!

Today is the Takayama Matsuri in Japan! Spring Festival to you and me, but no less exciting!This festival is all about celebrating the coming of Spring and praying for a good harvest. The festivals are famous for the large ornate floats, or yatai, which roam around the city at night. The floats date back to... Read More

Thursday 10th March 2011

Omizutori – March is the Water-Drawing Festival in Japan

Omizutori is a festival that takes place March 1st – 14th at the Todai-Ji Temple, Nara, Japan. The ceremony is to cleanse people of their sins and to usher in the Spring of the New Year. It dates back 1,000 years and consists of Buddhist priests drawing up healing waters and waving burning pine torches... Read More

Thursday 3rd March 2011

Hinamatsuri – Roll out the Red Carpet!

Well it seems March 3rd isn’t all about Alexander Bell!Today is also ‘Hinamatsuri’ (a Japanese Doll Festival) or ‘Girls’ Day’. This is a day to pray for young girls’ growth and happiness.It can also be called ‘Momo no sekku’ (Peach Festival) because of the peach blossom season on the old lunar calendar. A bright red... Read More

Monday 28th February 2011

The House We All Dreamt Of…

A Japanese studio called Level Architects have designed a house in Tokyo, Japan, with a slide connecting all three floors. A staircase wraps around one side of the rectangular house and the slide encircles the other. Read more after the jump! Occupants can decide at each level whether to descend by the stairs or by slide. The... Read More