Mizuki Shigeru Road Festival

A belief system and narrative tradition surrounding supernatural entities and yokai distributed throughout Japan. Forming a crucial element of Japanese folk culture through region-specific yokai imagery, connections to seasonal events, and fusion with folk beliefs. Recognized as a continuously evolving cultural heritage from Edo-period literature to contemporary creative works.

A modern event-type festival held on Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture. Celebrating the hometown of manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, it features yokai characters from his works. Yokai statues from 'GeGeGe no Kitaro' and other creations line the streets, with interactive events for tourists. Symbolizes fusion of regional revitalization and manga culture.

A premier summer festival of the Tohoku region held every August in Aomori City. Enormous illuminated warrior-themed floats called nebuta parade through the streets while dancers known as haneto leap to the chant of 'Rassera.' It is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

Japan's largest Bon dance festival with over 400 years of history in Tokushima Prefecture. Known for the chant 'It's a fool who dances and a fool who watches—if both are fools, you might as well dance,' it is held annually during the Obon period in August. Groups called 'ren' dance through the streets to distinctive rhythms.

A Japanese summer event based on the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, observed on July 7th (or August in some regions). The custom of hanging paper strips inscribed with wishes on bamboo branches is widely practiced. The Sendai Tanabata Festival is one of Japan's largest, attracting over two million visitors annually.

A traditional Japanese Buddhist event to welcome and honor ancestral spirits. Observed around August 13-16, it features regional events such as bon dances and toro nagashi lantern floating. One of Japan's largest annual observances that triggers a major homecoming rush, it serves as an important occasion for reaffirming family bonds.

A traditional Japanese event held on the day before the start of spring, where soybeans are thrown to drive away evil spirits with the chant 'Demons out, good fortune in.' The custom of eating ehomaki sushi rolls has also spread nationwide. As a seasonal purification ritual, grand bean-throwing events are held at shrines and temples.