We love Japanese festival culture

Recently, a Japanese dance festival took place in Prenzlauer Berg. It was organized by the association Kashiwa-ren, who want to spread the Japanese festival culture – 祭り matsuri – in Berlin and strengthen the German-Japanese community.

There were stalls, delicious Japanese food, taiko performances and many happy people! Everyone who attended the festival danced and celebrated together!

For those who missed the party, the association will take part in the Carnival of Cultures next Sunday. There will be ondo dance, taiko drums, festival music and a mikoshi.

“A Mikoshi is a wearable shrine of the Japanese natural religion Shinto, which is worn on the shoulders of between 30 and 40 people depending on its size.” Mikoshi are carried through the streets at local festivals all over Japan. The carrying and shaking of the Mikoshi is believed to amuse the deity within and keep it happy.

The shrine arrived in Berlin last week and is currently at UNIQLO on Ku’damm:

Information about the Carnival of Cultures and how to support Kashiwa-ren can be found on the crowdfunding page of the association. ゃ ね ー See you at the weekend!