At a meeting of the Intangible Heritage Committee in Ethiopia on Nov. 30, UNESCO approved the registration of 33 festivals across Japan as intangible cultural heritage. These festivals all celebrate one of three aspects of Japanese culture: yama (mountains), hoko (spears) or yatai (street vendors). Five festivals in Kyushu are included in the list: Hakata Gion Yamakasa in Fukuoka, Tobata Gion Oyamagasa in Kitakyushu, Karatsu Kunchi in Saga, Yatsushiro Myoukensai in Kumamoto and Hita Gion Hikiyama in Oita. In Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Pref., people gathered at the shopping arcade on the night of Nov. 30 and celebrated the decision with decorations and sake. Source: Asahi Shinbun, Dec. 1, 2016
Photo: Fukuoka Now
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