Look what's Happening in Tokyo
Issue: JULY 2004

Public Holidays in July
July 19th Marine Day - Umi no Hi A fairly new public holiday to celebrate the bounty of the sea.

Flower Markets, Fireworks, Mountain Climbing and an Early Race!
Asagao Ichi - (Morning Glory Fair)……. July 6th - 8th
Asagao or Morning Glory as it is also know means "morning face", a perfect name for a flower that opens up in the early morning and closes by midmorning. The Asagao Market dates back to the early years of the Meiji period (1868-1912) and became a major summer event in the 1880-90s. The fair in its present form was brought back by local merchants in 1950. The market, which spills on to the nearby streets as well as the temple itself, is open from 9:00 - 21:00 however most of the crowds will be there around the early hours when the flowers are open. *Entrance to the market is free
Hoozuki-Ichi - (Chinese Lantern Plant Market) …….July 9th-10th
This is an annual event also known as the Chinese Lantern Plant Market More than 100,000 pots of ground cherries are sold each year at the market. The festival is held for two days but most people come on July 10th, as it said that a visit and a prayer on this day are worth 46,000 ordinary visits.
To get there: Take the Asakusa line or Ginza line to Asakusa station
Sumida River Fireworks …..July 27th
Throughout the summer season there are firework displays everywhere but the most famous of all is this one. It is the biggest display in Tokyo and the oldest, dating back to 1733. From 19:00 ~ 20:30

Mount Fuji Climbing Season Opens……July 1st ~ August 27th
"The Japanese have long believed that "One who never climbs Mount Fuji is a fool, and one who climbs twice is twice the fool." The most avid supporters will tell you to set off at nighttime so that you arrive at the summit in time to see the sunrise.

Oedo Antique Fair at Tokyo International Forum ……… July 18th
This monthly event is popular with both foreign and Japanese residents alike. Various items are sold including precious items and artworks reflecting Japanese history and also articles for daily use such as Japanese and European ceramics, kimono and obi, etc. (*Admission free 8:00 ~ 17:00 )

What's going on elsewhere in Japan
Hakata Yamagasa ~ Fukuoka……….July 1st ~July 15th
Hakata is famous for its skilled Hakata doll makers and over the 15 day period there are many beautiful Kazariyama (decorated floats) to be seen covered with dolls. The climax of this festival is the 'Oiyama' Race. which starts at 4:59 am, when seven floats are each carried on the shoulders of the local merchants in a race

by Sarah Yamada