[Hidden Wonders of Japan] Cheer Up with These Delightful Decorations From Fukuoka

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In the lakeside city of Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, March is a special time of year.

It is the time for celebrating the Girl’s Festival, or Hina Matsuri (March 3) and traditional Japanese decorations for the occasion are exhibited to build anticipation and highlight the mood.

The event is called Sagemon Meguri, which literally means “a tour of hanging ornaments”.  Sage means “to hang”, but specifically indicates the Hina Matsuri ornaments which can be decoratively displayed.

Visitors can go around different shops and enjoy various versions of these hanging decorations, and there is certainly something for everyone.

There are auspicious multi-colored spheres, goldfish, animals, flowers, and more, making lots of smiles as you enjoy the beautifully crafted cheerful display. These decorations are not just a pleasure to look at, they are also supposed to be auspicious for the health and growth of a baby girl, and to that end they are often displayed in households where a female child resides.

According to the Yanagawa City Tourism Association, the Sagemon displays can be enjoyed in about 30 places around the city until April 3.

One 42-year old woman from Kumamoto Prefecture who came with her family said to a Sankei Shimbun reporter: “I came here to show my two-year-old daughter. I am really thankful that I can be here in tranquility as the COVID precautions are in place.”

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(Read the related article here, in Japanese)

Author: Sankei Shimbun