The rhythmic beat of drums and the energetic chants filled the streets of Kagurazaka on July 28th and 29th as the Awa Odori dance festival returned as part of the vibrant Kagurazaka Matsuri. This year, twenty “ren” (dance teams), including the local favorite Kagura-ren, participated in the lively celebration. Originating in 1972, the Kagurazaka Awa […]
Tokyoites can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the Japan Meteorological Agency officially declared the end of the rainy season, or “tsuyu,” on July 18th. This year’s rainy season, which began on June 21st, lasted 27 days, a shorter duration compared to the previous year. While shorter, this year’s rainy season brought a significant […]
Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, a popular Shinto shrine near Kagurazaka, held its annual Tanabata prayer festival on July 7th, marking a return to public participation after pandemic restrictions. Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is a traditional Japanese celebration where people write their wishes on colorful strips of paper called “tanzaku” and hang them on […]
Today, July 3rd, 2024, marks the official release of Japan’s redesigned 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 1,000 yen banknotes. These new bills boast a refreshed design with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting. Key Changes: Larger Denomination Numerals: The new bills feature larger, more prominent denomination numbers, making it easier for both locals and international […]