Look what's Happening in Tokyo
Issue: March 2005

Public Holidays in March

March 21st Vernal Equinox day or Shunbun-no-hi. This 7 day period is called Higan, which means "the other shore," or, in Buddhism, nirvana. During higan the spirits of ancestors are recalled, Buddhist rites are carried out and family graves are visited. Special dishes such as ohagi (rice balls covered with sweet beans) are made and offered to the grave.

Doll Festivals, Walking on Fire, Dragon dancing and Cherry Blossoms
Hina Matsuri Doll Festival 3rd March
In mid-February households with daughters will set up a 5 or 7-tiered platform covered in red felt and display dolls representing the emperor, empress, court ladies and attendants in traditional Heian era clothing. This is done in order to pray for their daughter's health. Next to the platform will be peach blossom, and hishimochi (a diamond shaped rice-cake) On the 3rd, Chirashi Sushi, is eaten. (Chirashi means scattered and is simply sushi rice with other ingredients mixed in or placed on the rice.) It is said that if the dolls are not put away by the morning of the 4th then the daughter will not be able to find a husband. So there is always a mad dash to clear away all the dolls on the evening of 3rd.

The Daruma Market at Jindai-ji Temple, Choufu 3rd and 4th March
The Daruma doll is a symbol of good luck and protection in Japan, and is traditionally given to someone starting a new venture, celebrating a birthday, or at the beginning of a New Year. At the start of the endeavor, one eye is painted and a wish is made for good luck. The other eye is painted when the goal is reached. The Daruma is based on an ancient Buddhist monk who, after nine years sitting meditating in a cave, lost the use of his arms and legs. The doll possesses a weighted bottom and rounded shape, and so will automatically regain its balance after being tipped over -- representing persistence of spirit and recovery from misfortune.
How to get there: Take the Keio line to Chofu station (North exit.)

Takaosan Hiwatari Matsuri (Fire-walking Ceremony) 13th March
Here is a chance to enjoy the beautiful views of Mt. Takao, and witness an ascetic exercise by the mountain priest who will walk on hot coals. Visitors are welcome to participate in this ceremony, so if you are looking for something different to do at the weekend . . .
How to get there: Take the Keio line to Takaosan-guchi or JR Takao Station.

White Day 14th March
In 1965 a campaign was launched by a sweet maker, urging men to repay valentine gifts with marshmallows. The name White Day comes from the color of the candy, and at first it was called Marshmallow Day. Other candy makers soon joined in and gradually the original association with marshmallows disappeared; today, men no longer limit their purchases to confections, giving women handkerchiefs, accessories, and other gifts.

Golden Dragon Dance at the Sensoji Temple, Asakusa 18th March
It is said that in 628AD Two brothers netted a 6cm-high golden statue of Kannon while fishing. Recognizing it's sacred qualities the master of the brothers decided to build his house on the land. To celebrate the finding of the statue this annual festival is held and the locals participate in the Golden Dragon Dance.
How to get there: Take the JR Ginza line or the Asakusa line to Asakusa station.

Flowers in bloom this month
Cherry Blossoms could start to bloom at the end of March. It all depends on the weather!

What's going on elsewhere in Japan
Omizutori ~The Drawing of Water Ceremony at Todai-ji Temple, Nara 1st -14th March
Priests conduct a fire ceremony every evening from 18:00, swinging long torches in the air to ward off evil. At 2:00 in the morning of the 13th, water is drawn from the 1200 year-old well and offered to visitors to drive away diseases.

by Sarah Yamada