Matsuri

Since couple of years I have been exploring various aspects of Japanese culture through film and photography. The concept of individuality as such does not exist, one is always a member of a larger group. The efforts of a single person are always focused on contributing towards the greater good of the entire society rather than satisfying personal needs.

This crucial element of Japanese society is being exemplified in various forms but one stands out the most. Those are summer and autumn festivals and as unique and beautiful as they are, the essence is not in the spectacle but in the strength of the group. In the particular efforts that when combined together create one of the most amazing spectacles on the planet. The festivals in Japan are usually based on local traditions and social relationships within local areas. Even the biggest festivals start and finish at the local shrine and are serving local gods. It is an honour, and a duty at the same time, for everybody from the area to contribute to the festival. Either by carrying few tonnes of portable shrine or providing food for those that carry it or just bringing family and supporting them from distance. 

It is not unusual for people to come from different areas of Japan to help with festivals, people would travel sometimes from islands that could be as far as hundreds of kilometres just to help carrying mikoshi, the portable shrine. They will come back home proud for that they have helped their fellow country-mates. The spirit of festivals could be only understood once one gets very close to the culture, to the people and will try to understand what makes them so great. It is the people, their unique collaboration skills and relationships that are deeper than just living in the same country.
Therefore I have decided to get very close to the Japanese festivals and for two years I have traveled and attempted to portray the efforts of single people who are the building blocks that make the rejoicing of the Japanese festival so great and unique. I believe that those pictures give unique insight into the culture as well as the social condition of the Japanese society.