30,000 lanterns , mysterious Mitama ( spirit) festival in Yasukuni Shrine
I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 25 countries. I’ve got the license of the certificate English guide in Japan for 8 years.
I show you hidden Japan which you have never seen and heard of!
Yasukuni Shrine Mitama( spirit)Festival
The rainy season ended on June 27 in Tokyo.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, this is the earliest end of the rainy season in recorded history.
Yesterday and today, the temperature was over 35 ℃, and it truly feels like summer has arrived.
From now on, Japan will be in the season of summer festivals.
From July 13 to 16, the Mitama (spirit)Festival at Yasukuni Shrine is held, attracting 200,000-300,000 people every year.
Yasukuni Shrine
Yasukuni Shrine was founded in 1869 and enshrines those who died in the service of their country.
The shrine enshrines 2.46 million people who died in the civil wars of the time, as well as those who have died in the service of the country up to the present day.
Origin of the Mitama ( spirit)festival
When World War II ended, many war dead were enshrined.
The average age of the war dead is said to be 26 years old.
And many of them died without having any descendants.
If they were left as they were, there would be no family to enshrine them, and their enshrinement would cease.
People concerned about this , then started a dedication festival in 1947 to remember them.
Since then, the festival has been continued every year with the support of people all over Japan.
July 13-16 every year
The festival is held from July 13 to 16 every year.
It is the day when the deceased ancestors return to this world to spend time together with their family , according to the ancient Japanese ancestral beliefs.
30,000 lanterns
During this period, the precincts of Yasukuni Shrine are decorated with 30,000 lanterns, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
On the Noh( Japanese tradition drama)stage, various dances and music are dedicated and performed.
Also the decorated lanterns from various parts of Japan, including popular Aomori’s Nebuta Festival, are also displayed.
Zero-fighter
During the Mitama ( spirit) festival , the Zero-fighter museum, Yushukan, will be open at night to allow visitors to view the Zero-fighter.
Unfortunately, there will be no food stalls this year due to the Covid-19.
However, it is a good way to enjoy the mystical atmosphere illuminated by numerous lanterns.
Why don’t you come and enjoy it?
I’m Nobu, one heart enjoy together!!!
