National Disaster Prevention Day

September 9th is the National Disaster Prevention Day in Japan.

In 1923, there was a Great Kanto earthquake. More than hundreds of thousands people died because of it. So, government established the National Disaster Prevention Day to remind people of importance of preparation for disaster.

As you know, Japan is a quake-prone country. It could happen anytime and anywhere. We can't avoid it as long as we live in Japan. This is why, understanding of knowledge of disaster and mental preparation for it are very important to save own life. 

Over a week, including September 9th, most school and company hold emergency drills.

There are two types of drills. One is for earthquake and the other one is for fire.

These are the drills for earthquake.

These are the fire drills.

Students learn how to use fire extinguisher from firefighters.

The Star Festival

We have Star Festival on July 7 every year. We call it Tanabata in Japanese.

The origin of this festival is based on Chinese legend about two stars; Hikoboshi(Alter) and Orihime(Vegar). They are separated by the milky way. But they can meet each other across the river only once a year. That day is July 7.

People write their wishes on strips of paper, and hang them on bamboo trees.

It is believed that if they do so, the wishes come true.

The Star Festival in Sendai is very famous.

Over two millions people visit there every year.

There are so many beautiful ornaments in one street and people can enjoy watching then while they walk through the street.

Why don't you write your wish on strip of paper and hang it on bamboo on July 7!!

Doll Festival

Doll Festival is one of the national holidays in Japan. We call it, "Hina-Matsuri" in Japanese.
It is celebrated on March 3 every year. On that day, we pray for healthy growth and happiness for girls in family. Most families which have girls display Hina-Dolls called Hina-Ningyo.

This is the picture of Hina-Dolls.
The dolls show the imperial court.

Today, we have special foods to cerebrate the day.
This is Chirashi-Shushi.

And these are  Hishi-mochi and Hina-Arare.

Children's Day

     We Japanese call Children's Day "Kodomo-no-Hi". It is celebrated on May 5. It was enforced in 1948 and it is one of our national holidays.

     On that day, we wish the healthy growth of boys. We put up colorful carp banners outside. People believe that carp is a fish which can climb up stream against rapid water and overcome any kinds of obstacles. This is why, People regard carp as a symbol of bravery, strength and patience of pursue their dream.

This is colorful carp banners.

The black carp is father, the red one is mother and the blue one is their sun.

We also display warrior dolls inside house to hope healthy growth of boys.

This is the picture of it.

Valentine's Day & White Day

     I'm going to introduce about how we celebrate Valentine's Day and White Day in Japan.
On February 14, we have a Valentine's Day.On that day, women give chocolate or small gift to their boy friends and male colleagues to show their feelings of thankfulness.
 
      In general, there are three types of valentine's presents.

1, Giri-choco; Obligation chocolate
When women give chocolate to their male friends, colleagues  or bosses, we call it Giri-choco. Giri means obligation. So, for men, if they don't have girlfriend or wife, they can get chocolate from their coworkers.

2, Honmei-choco; Chocolate for sweetheart
When women give chocolate to their lover, we call it Honmei-choco. Honmei means true. Usually it's much more expensive than obligation one.

3, Tomo-choco; women to women
Over the past few years, it has been more common among young girls to exchange chocolate each other.
Tomo means friends. So, when girls exchange chocolate with their friends, we call it Tomo-choco.

On March 14, we have a White Day. This is special to Japan. On that day, the men who got chocolate have to give present to women who gave you chocolate. what you give is up to you.

Welcome to my blog!

Hi, everyone!
I'm going to write about Japanese culture, especially about national holidays.
There are many holidays which are special to Japan.
I'd like to share them with you and I'd like you to compare with holidays in your country.
Hope you enjoy!