Tobata is a ward of the city of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka prefecture and this festival dates back over 200 years to when Tobata was a village.
The Yamagasa are tall floats that are carried around. At night the floats are adorned with lanterns, making them an impressive sight.
The festival has been recognized by the Japanese government as an important intangible cultural asset.
Celebrating the accession ceremony day of the temple’s deity – Emperor Kanmu in 781 in Nara, this annual festival features an opportunity to see Geiko (the geisha of Kyoto) and Maiko, their apprentices. The prayer ceremony takes place on the […]
Taking place in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, the Hikiyama Festival is named for the wheeled festival floats which are pulled along at many traditional festivals. However, the festival is known for ‘kodomo kabuki’ – children’s kabuki. In the case of the […]
Founded in 2009 by comedy giant Yoshimoto Kogyo, the festival has a packed schedule which includes comedy and drama, as well as documentaries, young-director showcases, and development workshops. Despite the name, the Okinawa International Film Festival is decidedly more domestic […]
A performance by Maiko and Geiko from different districts, also known as the dance of the capital. Begun to raise spirits after Tokyo was first declared Japan’s capital, it has been held in the Kaburenjo Theater since 1873 but due […]
