Community by choice

I've spoken a lot about the natural or 'organic' feel of my town, and how unique that is in todays Japan where so much of life is so tightly scripted and rigidly bound by strict and often archaic rules. My town just doesn't roll that way…

One of the best examples of this is our annual Hoze Matsuri Festival [Sept 13-15]. It's a very local affair, not made for show or to attract tourists from afar. Considering that, you might think there's not so much effort put into it, but that assumption would be very wrong. For more than a month prior to the festival, pretty much the entire population gathers nightly at 11 locations spread across town to practice their drumming, flute paying and dancing. It's a casual affair with lots of smiles, snacks and sake, tons of fun and a whole lot of practicing... 2-3 hour per night every night.

*Veteran participants keeping watch and offering up some good advice...*

Community, in an obligatory sense, is common in Japan... but to find a town in rural Japan that still actively functions seamlessly, organically, as a thriving cohesive and supportive entity is quite rare, and it's just another reason why you're gonna love my town!

I've spoken a lot about the natural or 'organic' feel of my town, and how unique that is in todays Japan where so much of life is so tightly scripted and rigidly bound by strict and often archaic rules. My town just doesn't roll that way…

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