Thursday, August 5, 2010

Will Miss #212 - mikoshi


Summers in Japan are marked by local festivals. My earliest memories of summer in Japan include seeing men dressed in happi coats noisily (and joyously in most cases) hauling a portable shrine or mikoshi through the streets. This is not only a very "Japanese" thing, but also represents people from the same neighborhood coming together. It builds community spirit and keeps bonds strong.

I'll miss seeing mikoshi carried through the streets at local summer festivals.