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Coming of Age Day National Holiday
Wakakusayama Hill, Nara, January 15, 2000
In the evening twilight, a trumpet signals the setting ablaze
of Wakakusayama Hill in Nara Park. Fireworks streak to the
sky from a nearby slope. The this hill, which more than ten
centuries ago marked the amicable end to a long dispute over
the boundary of two major temples in spectacle reminds one
of the historic burning of the turf on Nara.
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Bonden
Miyoshi Shrine, Akita City, January 17, 2000
Dozens of "Bonden", symbol of the Creative God, are carried
by young men, who vie to be the first to reach the shrine.
A similar festival is observed at Yokote in Akita prefecture
on February 17.
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Kamakura
Yokote, Akita Prefecture, 3rd weekend of February
"Kamakura" is popular pastime for children in snowy areas.
They make snow houses called " Kamakura " in which they enshrine
the God of Water and hold parties.
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Shunsetsu Festival
Kobe City, Nara Prefecture, Mid February
This is actually the Chinese New Year Festival which is held
in Kobe City's Chinatown. Two dragons dance around, each one
of the dragon is manipulated by over 20 poeple in this ancient
celebration.
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Eyo
Saidaiji Temple, Saidaiji, Okayama Prefecture, 3rd
February, 2000
A multitude of partially clad young male devotees elbow and
shoulder one another for a pair of sacred wands thrown to
them in the darkness in and around the temple.
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Lantern Festival of Kasuga Shrine
Kasuga Shrine, Nara, February 3
More than 3,000 lanterns, either standing in the precincts
or hung from the eves of the buildings, are lit, presenting
an enchanting sight.
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Setsubun
All Japan, February 3 or 4
According to the lunar calendar, " Setsubun "(Bean-Throwing
Festival) marks the last day of winter. People crowd temple
grounds to participate in the traditional ceremony of throwing
beans to drive away imaginary devils, shouting "Fortune in,
Devils out!"
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Snow Festival
Sapporo, Hokkaido, 5th - 11February, 2000
Elaborate figures sculptured in snow are lined up along the
main thoroughrfare of Sapporo. Similar festivals are held
in various districts of the island including Asahikawa, Mombetsu,
Abashiri and Obihiro. These area also have their own local
color.
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