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 Nov 22, 2020
Tokushima holds event to check coronavirus measures for Awa Odori festival
Tokushima's festival was canceled this year for the first time since the end of World War II due to the novel coronavirus epidemic.
National Aug 17, 2020
A traditional bonfire festival in Kyoto, western Japan, was held Sunday night on a smaller scale than usual due to the novel coronavirus epidemic. In the Gozan no Okuribi festival, held every year on Aug. 16, firewood arranged in the shape of symbols and kanji ...
National / Social Issues Aug 12, 2020
Fireworks events and summer festivals are increasingly going digital with new forms of seasonal events emerging thanks to technology.
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 ...