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Setsubun

Setsubun, the Bean-Throwing Festival, takes place before the first day of spring in Japan. Roasted soybeans called fuku mame (fortune beans) are thrown for good luck.

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Shōgatsu, Japan

Shōgatsu, or Japanese New Year, is one of the most important holidays in Japan, celebrated from January 1–3 with family gatherings, traditional foods, and special customs. Activities include cleaning homes…

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Ōmisoka, Japan

Ōmisoka —or ōtsugomori —is a Japanese traditional celebration on the last day of the year. It is customary for people to clean their homes, eat soba or udon noodles, and bathe…

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Obon Festival, Japan

Obon or Bon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist festival to honor the spirits of ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return to visit during this time, so families visit…

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Kanto Matsuri, Japan

The Kanto Festival is an annual event held every year in Akita City, Japan. Eight-meter tall bamboo poles decorated with hanging lanterns are balanced by performers on their foreheads or…

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Shichi-Go-San

Shichi-Go-San literally means 7-5-3 in Japanese. The festival, held every November 15, is a traditional rite of passage for Japanese boys turning 3 and 5 and girls turning 3 and 7…

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Kodomo no Hi

Kodomo no Hi, also known as Children’s Day, is a Japanese national holiday celebrated on May 5th. It honors the well-being and happiness of children, featuring traditional decorations like Koinobori…

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