Dezome-shiki New Year Firefighter’s Parade

Firefighter parades are held all over Japan at the beginning of January. The purpose is to pray for a fire-free

Nanakusa-gayu at Tōshō-gū Shrine

Seven-herb rice porridge, traditionally eaten on January 7 on offer at Toshogu Shrine.

I passed by Ikari-jinja in Hakushima last night and took some shots of the lanterns and the peaceful precinct of

New Year rituals at Gokoku Shrine, next to Hiroshima Castle.

Traditional New Year rituals at Itsukushima Shine on Miyajima that date from over 1000 years ago.

Living in wooden houses, closely clustered together along narrow streets, for centuries, fear of calamitous fires is deeply ingrained in

Watch the firefighters display their skill, see their fire engines and helicopters in action.

Kiddie and couples’ delight or a triumph of tack over taste? Join the crowds and you be the judge.