I had the pleasure of photographing the 100th Anniversary of the @nozawaonsenskiclub ’s celebration last year during the Dosojin Fire Festival in Nozawaonsen, Japan. A festival deeply rooted in cultural significance and tradition. I’m continually awe-inspired during this event to see the dedication that goes into it, nearly a full calendar year in preparation, passed on generation to generation. Villagers carry torches and attempt to burn down a temporary shrine called a shaden, while the 25 year-olds defend the structure and the 42 year-olds sing and chant sitting above (unlucky ages). This festival is meant to celebrate the birth of a family’s first child, and pray for their good health, as well as a good harvest.
This first set is from the main event itself (1/3)
Last year I “ran” (power hiked) 158km & 14,130m from Oyashirazu at the Sea of Japan to the entrance of the Japanese Northern Alps, Kamikochi, in 5.5 days.
