Continuing my exploration of Japanese culture and Tokyo happenings, today I learned about ‘Kanda Matsuri’.
According to the very official Japan National Tourist organization Kanda Matsuri is
"One of the most famous festivals of Tokyo, Kanda Matsuri is also ranked among the three largest festivals of Japan. Protected by the Shogun during the Edo Period (1603-1867) and permitted to enter the grounds of Edo Castle where he lived, it also came to be called ‘Tenka Matsuri'(‘Tenka’ meaning Shogun). The main festival is conducted in years ending in odd numbers according to the Western calendar, and the festivals held in even-numbered years are much smaller in scale. The rule to change the scale of the festival in alternate years was determined by the Shogun in the Edo Period, for the festivals then were so extravagant."
This year marks the 400th anniversary of the inception of Edo Shogunate so it is quite special.
The Tokyo Tourism Info highlights a musical side of the festival.
"One of the revivals of the curious Edo culture is “Sokonuke-yatai”, a floorless portable stage in the parade where traditional Japanese musicians such as Shamisen players, Nagauta and Tokiwazu singers perform while walking."
The photo was taken by Hamachi.
Check his (Japanese) site for more pictures of the event.
Usually I find out about things Japanese on PingMag. This time though my inspiration was Helen of Grab Your Fork (based in Sydney) who is visiting Japan right now. She gives us her take on Noodles in Tokyo while in town.
Another recent EDO related story: Carry your good luck with these Japanese bags