【Helen’s Adventure】 took place the Gion Matsuri

Last week, took place the Gion Matsuri. It’s one of the most important one in Japan. As an intern in the Kyoto International Manga Museum, I couldn’t afford to miss such an impressive cultural event. On the 16th of July, at nightfall, the streets fill with numerous lanterns. The traffic is interrupted; you have then the occasion to wander about and try a multitude of delicious dishes such as Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakitori…

Enlighten «hoko»

Karasuma street on the 16th

But this magic picture is ephemeral. On the 17th of July, from 9 am, begin the impressive parade. The huge “hoko” begin to move accompanied by the sound of traditional flutes, drums and gong. Every area of Kyoto has its own chariot decorated with magnificence. If you are lucky enough you could catch sight of a “geiko” watching the parade. It reminded me of the “100 maiko” exhibit from the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Maiko are apprentice geiko and have been drawn by more than 100 mangaka for the Manga Museum and are now part of the artworks exposed at the museum . Hoko keeps moving until noon, under the attentive glance of every Kyoto citizens, gathered for the occasion. Thanks to the International Kyoto Manga Museum, I had the chance to go on top of a “hoko”, the area inhabitants wearing traditional “Yukata” played some music for the amazed crowd. I also had the privilege to sit in the observation point near the Kyoto city hall to attend the parade. There nothing more to say except that it was, for me, a magical event that enabled me to emerge in the Nippon culture. This is also part of my job as an intern in the Kyoto International Manga Museum in order to better understand the cultural differences between Foreigners and Japanese people as well as to fathom how easy (or difficult) it is for foreigners to access these cultural events apart from the Kyoto International Manga Museum.

As well as I had the chance to experiment the Japanese culture during the Gion Matsuri, I hope my work would help foreign visitors enjoying the manga culture thanks to the Kyoto International Manga Museum.

(Hélène)