Turtles

O-Matsuri

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October 3rd 2011
Recently I was a part of the Machida O-Matsuri. The festival consisted of carrying an omikoshi around the city. We took about four stops before completing the route. I did not realize how heavy the omikoshi was until I actually helped carry it. It is so painful. My shoulders hurt for about three days. It was an amazing experience to help carry it though. While carrying it people chant phrases and ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Machida

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more