With its signature kappa (a Japanese mythological monster) mascot, Kappunk festival hosts dozens of punk rock bands from all over the world for 3 full days of hardcore rock festivities. It sparked a thought for me, how does Japanese punk culture compare to that of the UK or America?

For much of Japan’s history, the majority of the population of Japan had been farmers. They would pray to their god and play drums to celebrate harvests, give thanks, or avoid disasters. This tradition birthed yearly festivals.

Come to Iwate to experience a colorful dreamscape of crystals and light. At the Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village, you can jump into a world befitting of fairies.

In verdant Miyagi, the yearly Lotus Festival of Lake Izunuma-Uchinuma has just begun! Located on an interconnected lake between Tome and Kurihara City, you can enjoy a romantic boat-ride tour through thousands of lotuses, led by local fishermen who know the lake inside and out.

Back in 2011 after the Great Earthquake and Tsunami, everyone in the Tohoku region of Japan came together to renew their land and their spirit by creating “Tohoku Rokkonsai (Six Festivals).” Tohoku Rokkonsai sewed together the six prefectures into one breakthrough event, touring around the region to celebrate all of their summer festivals.

Every year from mid May to early June, the people of the greater Kesennuma area in Miyagi Prefecture bask in the beauty of spring with the blooming of wild mountain azalea flowers (yama tsutsuji) on Mt. Tokusenjo. The Kesennuma Azalea Festival is also held to celebrate, with local musical artists and activities.

Kesennuma is a beautiful coastal city in Miyagi prefecture in northern Japan. With Kesennuma having a population of a little over 65,000 people and best known for its fishing industry, one may wonder what it has to offer the average person. Lucky for me, the people of Kesennuma are so kind and ecstatic to share Japanese culture with others! Here are some of the things I’ve found so far!

This spring, Kesennuma brings you its yearly free music festival! Join us on April 20th for the last Kesennuma Street Live Festival of the Heisei era. This event is run by city volunteers who are all excited to reel in the Reiwa era with music and cheer.

Perhaps most known as of late for its destruction and city’s resilience following the 2011 disaster, the small city of Kesennuma is actually home to many mom-and-pop style noodle houses that have been around for decades! With so many to choose from, ordering chashuu (pork belly) ramen has been my go-to dish but I’m always excited to try something new or a shopkeeper’s personal favorite.