Every city you visit has its share of exciting new things to see and experience, but sometimes the most memorable experiences come when you have an opportunity to learn about another culture in a more intimate setting.
Earlier this month I learned about a small local festival held in Taishi, a short train ride outside of Osaka, and I decided to make an evening of it.
Taishi is a small town by Japanese standards with approximately 15,000 residents, though that’s quite large by the standards of where I’m from back home in Calgary! It’s amazing how perspectives change depending on the circumstances.
Home to the Eifukuji Temple, the festival revolves around the lighting of 10,000 individual candles spread around the grounds of the temple. Visitors walk the grounds, absorbing the warm atmosphere created by glowing, colored candles, local entertainment on the small stage, and children playing and laughing with their families and friends.
The candles create a path taking you to different areas of the shrine where prayers are said, incense is lit, and you can sit and take in the atmosphere.
The festival itself is a celebration of happiness with a nod to Shotoku Taishi, an influential historical figure in Japan responsible for some great works of writing and one of the great patrons of Buddhism in the country.
Though I wasn’t a resident, I was welcomed with friendly smiles and nods. One couple demonstrated the incense ritual for me, and there were more than a few amateur photographers interested in what I was doing with my small camera setup.
On the way back to the train, I visited the small children’s area set up to watch countless excited children trying to catch goldfish in plastic bags to take home as pets. A local lady insisted I take with me a homemade Okonomiyaki so that they weren’t wasted.
I will always remember this evening — a comforting confirmation that no matter where you go, people are all pretty much the same. Everyone enjoys happiness, community, and shared experiences. I’m thrilled to add this opportunity to my list of experiences while living and working in Japan.
Trevor is a Planet Depos videographer currently based in Osaka, Japan.
