Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival):
falls on 7 July
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O Bon (Festival of the Dead):
Celebrates from mid-July to August.
Lanterns are floated on rivers, lakes or the sea to signify the return of the departed to the underworld.
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Gion Matsurai:
Falls on 17 July, Kyoto.
One the most renowned of all Japanese festivals.
The climax is a parade of massive man-dragged floats decked out in incredible finery.
Harks back to a 9th century request to the gods to end a plague sweeping the
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Niramekko Obisha:
Falls on 20 January; Chiba.
Combines a staring contest with consumption of sake - the one with the straightest face wins.
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Yah-Yah Matsuri Festival:
Falls on early February, Owase
An argument contest: competitors yell 'yah! yah!' and try to look fearsome.
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Knickers Giving Day:
Falls on 14 March, a bizarre follow up to Valentine's Day.
Men are supposed to give a gift of panties to their lady.
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New Year:
From 9 December to 6 January
One of Japan’s biggest holidays
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Golden Week:
The lumping together of Green Day, Constitution Day and Children's Day
From 27 April to 6 May.
Another Japan’s biggest holidays.
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Adult's Day:
Falls on 15 January
Ceremonies are held for boys and girls who have reached the age of majority (20).
The Japanese celebrate the end of winter in association with Adult's Day by throwing bean while chanting for good fortune.
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Hanami (Blossom Viewing):
Usually runs from February to April.
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