Pop Japan

Agon Shu's Matsuri is a religious festival held every year on Japan's National Foundation Day. Since it is held on a national holiday, this festival attracts a lot of expectators. It is usually starts with a series of Shinto and Buddhist rituals, mainly to ward-off evil spirits and cleansing the mind and body. And then, written prayers to the gods and to Buddha are read by the great spiritual leader, and are burnt by sacred flame. It is believed that the smoke carries their wishes and sends it to heaven.