Japan Memoirs: Tenjin Matsuri---"Festival of the Gods"

I love being a part of something so many people can relate and enjoy"

- Karlie Kloss -

Tenjin Matsuri --- in Osaka is one of the top three festivals in Japan. This festival started a thousand years ago, it usually began on the 24th and ends on the 25th of July. The said festival is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane of the Tenmangu Shrine, who is said to be the god of learning and art.

Yep, I had to look that one up for history and knowledge purposes. One should know her history first before anything else. ;)  

I was lucky enough to be a part of this festival not once, but twice, for two consecutive years. To be a part of something this historical is truly an honor. You see, there is a difference between being in the sidelines watching as the event takes place and to be actually a part of it. Doing something, mingling with the other folks, participating and cooperating thanks to our landlord. That regardless of the language barrier, the locals are immensely accommodating. 

To have lived in this country for quite sometime, being able to immerse oneself in the customs and traditions is really wonderful. So, donning the costume once again, we prepared ourselves for the long, hot, and unforgettable experience that's about to happen--one more time.

The great Roman leader Julius Ceasar once said "Experience is the teacher of all things" and I couldn't agree more because of that experience I learned. Because of that experience I had fun and because of that experience I was able to live in that moment.

A moment in which will be forever be etched as a memory.