When a trip can change who you are

 Hyakumangoku Matsuri, 2009

The first time I went to Japan was during the summer of 2009. A group of ten people from my Japanese class and, back in Montreal, had the opportunity to go to Japan for one month of intensive Japanese classes and to experience a homestay program. Back then the only things I could experience and learn about Japan were what I could read in books or see on television, or even what I was learning in my classes or via manga and anime. So I was very happy to be able to see with my own eyes what the country of the rising sun was really like.

What I discovered is something you can’t learn with books. For example, what surprised me the most was how the old and the new coexist in everyday life. How was it possible to walk in the middle of Tokyo or Osaka and still be able to find a shrine or temple squeezed between two enormous buildings.  And how seriously Japanese people take rituals and ceremonies.

When I was living in Hirakata city, I had the opportunity to see the Hyakumangoku Matsuri. This matsuri is a commemoration of old historical events that happened in Kanazawa city in 1583. This display of samurai and traditional arts right into the streets of the city was really interesting. 

 Hyakumangoku Matsuri, 2009

This showed me that traditions and rituals are truly an important part of Japanese society. Even when this is displayed right into streets that are full of neon and colourful ads. It is also interesting to see how the young and the old take part in those events in different ways but all for the same purpose. Everyone seems to enjoy the moment. 

 Hyakumangoku Matsuri, 2009

The amount of work needed for this festival is also incredible. There are hundreds of people that need to wear costume. And I am talking about historical clothes, the one that take more than ten minutes to put on. In some case, the makeup also has to be the same for everyone. This truly showed me the dedication of Japanese people regarding special event related to history.

My first impressions of Japan cannot possibly all be express in this short blog. But I can end this post by saying this: To truly experience Japan you need to stay a very long time and be able to go out and talk to people when you have questions. Japanese people, mostly living outside big cities, are generally very nice and like to explain their culture to people interesting in learning it. I can’t say I learned everything there is to know about Japan during my first trip and I don’t think I will return home and understand everything this time either. But with hard work I think I will be able to understand it better. But the good point is that thiskind of work is actually fun to do!

Here is a link to the Matsuri Website: http://www.100mangoku.net/