BIO E® World

Modern day Halloween came to Japan probably with Tokyo Disneyland and the celebration of Halloween night. Despite Japan’s new interest with Halloween, it already has an old tradition with regards to commemorating the dead. The festival of Obon , celebrated during July or August, is a 500-year old Buddhist custom where families visit, clean and decorate their ancestors’ graves with fruits and lanterns. The name Obon , which is derived from the Sanskrit phrase meaning, “hanging upside down”, comes from a myth about a disciple of Buddha who was able to see his dead mother hanging upside-down in Buddhist hell. His intercession through offerings allowed his mother to be released, and his subsequent dance of joy became known as Bon Odori , or “Bon dance”. Bon Odori has many variations throughout the islands, although the typical dance consists of people circling a high wooden scaffold called a yagura .

Shirotorijinja Shuki Taisai 白鳥神社秋季大祭 This tiger Shishimai, known as Toragashiranomai, is unusual for its Kabuki elements. Where's it at : 69 Matsubara, Higashikagawa-shi, Kagawa-ken

Kamikamogawa Sumiyoshijinja 「 shinjimai 」 上鴨川住吉神社「神事舞」 Shishimai and sword-wielding Tachimai dances harken back to the performance arts of Japan's medieval period. Where's it at : Kamikamogawa, Katou-shi, Hyogo-ken, Japan

Hoko Hachimangu Reitaisai 鉾八幡宮例大祭 This parade festival bustles with its colorful masked Shishimai dancing, bold Chosa drum floats, and costumed children. Where's it at : 2336 Saita-cho Saitakami, Mitoyo-shi, Kagawa-ken

Enajinja Reitaisai (Ena Bunraku Hounou) 恵那神社例大祭（恵那文楽奉納） This traditional puppet drama, known as Ena Bunraku, has been handed down since puppeteers came from AWAJI to perform here in the late 17th century. Where's it at : 3786-1 Nakatsugawa, Nakatsugawa-shi, Gifu-ken

Ofune Matsuri 御船祭 Boat-shaped floats resplendently decorated with dolls parade through town to gather at the shrine. The festival's dramatic climax comes with a fierce clash between two boats. Where's it at : 6079 Hotaka, Azumino-shi, Nagano-ken

Takeo no Araodori Hounou (Nakano no Araodori) 武雄の荒踊奉納（中野の荒踊） The traditional dance that can be seen at this festival is preserved by only three local districts. The dance is renowned for its smooth movements and elegant hand gestures. Location : Asahi-cho Nakano, Takeo-shi, Saga-ken