Pop Japan

Japan undoubtedly loves fire. They celebrate countless yamayaki or fire festivals, and hanabi or fireworks, mostly during winter and summer seasons.

In Nara Prefecture, they even set fire to the dead grass of whole Mount Wakakusa (it looks like an erupting volcano at night)! And, not only that, they have this fire-walking festival known as Hiwatari Matsuri, where Shinto Priests literally walk on embers with bare foot in Mount Takao!

Aside from giving warmth and easing frostbite during the harsh winter, Fire (Ka or hi in Japanese) has been believed by our townsfolks in Japan for warding-off bad spirits. It represents energy, drive and passion.

In some rituals, they even treat the fire as sacred. There are two festivals in Japan called Kumano Oto Matsuri and Agon Shu Hoshi Matsuri (Star and Fire Rites Festival), which are joined by men who believe that the smoke coming from the sacred fire can send their wishes to heaven.

Different people and different beliefs. People vary with their belief in symbolisms tied with the element of fire. Thus, we shall use this as a guide in our daily lives, motive, and source of comfort-- and not for destruction of ourselves, the nature, and properties.

Mount Wakakusa

Hiwatari Matsuri