TUTTLE PUBLISHING
Tokyo • Rutland, Vermont • Singapore
Published by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd., with editorial offices at 364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, Vermont 05759 U.S.A., and 61 Tai Seng Avenue, #02-12, Singapore 534167.
Text and illustrations copyright ©2006 Betty Reynolds
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher.
LCC Card No. 2005934420
ISBN: 978-1-4629-0633-8 (ebook)
Distributed by:
North America, Latin America & Europe
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive
North Clarendon,
VT 05759-9436 U.S.A.
Tel: 1 (802) 773-8930
Fax: 1 (802) 773-6993
Japan
Tuttle Publishing
Yaekari Building, 3rd Floor
5-4-12 Osaki
Shinagawa-ku
Tokyo 141 0032
Tel: (81) 3 5437-0171
Fax: (81) 3 5437-0755
Asia Pacific
Berkeley Books Pte. Ltd.
61 Tai Seng Avenue, #02-12,
Singapore 534167
Tel: (65) 6280-1330
Fax: (65) 6280-6290
Indonesia
PT Java Books Indonesia
Kawasan Industri Pulogadung
JI. Rawa Gelam IV No. 9
Jakarta 13930
Tel: (62) 21 4682-1088
Fax: (62) 20 461-0206
12 11 10 09 8 7 6 5 4
Printed in Malaysia
Tuttle Publishing® is a registered trademark of Tuttle Publishing, a division of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd.
In memory of Elizabeth Reynolds and Vera Maher who turned every family gathering into a celebration
Thank you to my many friends in Japan who so generously shared their culture and their holidays. And a special thanks to my editor, Ed Walters.
O-Iwai
Shimasho
Let’s Celebrate!
The people of Japan love to celebrate! There is a special day—whether it recognizes a change in the seasons, a religious observance, or just a special moment in life—in every month of the year. Ancient traditions, exotic decorations and delicious, seasonal foods come together to create wonderfully festive occasions.
Although Japan is a modern, fast-paced country, the Japanese people still honor their customs. They have celebrated their holidays and festivals in the same way for centuries. For example, many people still dress in their beautiful, traditional costume—the kimono—for special events.
Many of the holidays are based on Japanese religious beliefs. Today, the thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines serve as gathering places for families as they solemnly observe traditional religious rites, as well as joyfully eat, drink, shop and make merry. The shrine and temple grounds and the streets come alive—with strings of colorful paper lanterns overhead, and wall-to-wall with people shopping the street stalls.
The Japanese way of celebrating may seem very different to you, as it did to me when I lived in Tokyo. I hope this book takes you on an entertaining journey through a year of holiday fun in Japan.
