Travel Apr 30, 2022
Riding logs and tempting fate at the Onbashira festival
by Patrick Murphrey
After deaths in 2010 and 2016, who would volunteer for the Onbashira festival? The locals.
History | JAPAN TIMES GONE BY Dec 31, 2020
A prime minister steps aside after being blamed for a series of blunders related to the previous year's catastrophes.
National Aug 1, 2020
Despite rainy season's end, Japan's festive summer still chilled by coronavirus
From Akita to Fukuoka, the cancellation of famous festivals and other events is putting a damper on Japan's idyllic summers.
![[VIDE0] With festival canceled by coronavirus, fireflies dance alone](https://cdn-japantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/fireflies-5f03cef95129505ee26e00ab_1_Jul_14_2020_7_42_14_poster-200x200.jpg)
National Jul 7, 2020
Wakayama theme park gives panda couple bamboo for Star Festival
Adventure World staff prepared Tanabata-themed treats for two pandas who are the parents of nine and expecting another cub.
Culture Jun 20, 2020
Rethinking summer in Japan amid a pandemic
by Alex K.T. Martin
Japan struggles to deal with the cancellation of annual seasonal events that serve as a lifeblood for local communities.
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE May 11, 2020
An island off the coast of COVID-19 presses pause on tradition
by Amy Chavez
Smaller towns in Japan aren't having to deal with the pandemic directly, but its effects are still being felt on lifestyles as festivals opt to cancel celebrations.
National May 3, 2020
Japan's local traditions and economies take hit as virus forces summer festival cancellations
The forced cancellations of major festivals and fireworks events next summer is a huge disappointment and financial blow to the host towns and cities.
National Feb 20, 2020
Panel to seek UNESCO listing for 37 Japanese folk performance arts
The Council for Cultural Affairs decided Wednesday to recommend that 37 folk performance arts be added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The 37 traditional performing arts, including Bon odori dancing, that have been passed down for posterity in various parts in the country ...
National Feb 12, 2020
Sapporo Snow Festival sees plunge in attendance amid coronavirus scare
The annual Sapporo Snow Festival drew 2.02 million visitors this year, down 716,000 from last year amid growing fears over the new coronavirus, the organizer said Tuesday. The number of visitors to the winter event marked a record 2.74 million last year, with Hokkaido gaining ...
National Feb 4, 2020
Sapporo Snow Festival opens amid coronavirus fears and unusually warm winter
Sapporo's annual snow festival began in the city on Tuesday, amid fears over the outbreak of the coronavirus from China and soaring costs involved in transporting snow to the site amid an unusually warm winter. The number of visitors to the winter event in the ...
Travel Feb 1, 2020
A month of ice and fire: Japan's best winter festivals
by Rebecca Saunders
Winter this year may have been relatively warm, but February brings a host of festive events across the country for snow-lovers and heat-seekers alike.