In Japan, since the Heian period people among the noble class started to enjoy admiring the moon on the Lunar 15th of August. This custom came from China.
Moon viewing became popular among citizens in the Edo period. Since then people have put Japanese pampas, dumplings and other things on the porch and other places where they can see the moon, and enjoy moon-viewing.
The decorations are various, depending on the place.
In Kagoshima, some districts still have the custom that everyone from children to old people gather on this night and do sumo wrestling and tug-of-war.
Confusingly, the Lunar 15th of August is usually from the end of September to early October in the solar calender. In autumn and winter, the air is the most dry and clear of the year, so you can see the moon very clearly. Also, in Autumn it is not so chilly even at night time.
For these reasons, people started to have the custom of moon viewing.
The harvest moon is called “Chushu-no-Meigetsu (中秋の名月)” or “Jugo-ya (十五夜)”.
“Chushu-no-Meigetsu” means “the beautiful moon on the middle day of August in the lunar calender”.
“Jugo-ya” also means “the middle day of August in the lunar calender” .
Yes, Japanese people say that the Lunar 15th of August is the night that we can see the most beautiful moon of the year!
[Moon Viewing Events in Kagoshima Prefecture]
Yoshino Park in Kagoshima City September 19 (Thu) ~ 22 (Sun)
During the period, Yoshino Park will be open until 21:00.
Moon Viewing Events such as “Moon Viewing Concert” and flea market will be held on the 21st of September (Sat).
Moon Viewing Concert: 18:00 ~ 20:30 / Fee: Free
Flea Market: 10:00 ~ 17:00
Yoshino Park Home Page: http://www.nils.jp/~nkk-yoshinokouen/top.html
Star Watching Moon Viewing And Concert @ Amami Seishonen Shizen-no Ie
スターウォッチング 中秋の名月観望会＆お月見コンサート @ 県立奄美青少年自然の家
September 20 (Fri) 19:00 ~ 21:00 / Fee: Free Anybody can participate.
Kagoshima Prefecture Home Page: http://www.pref.kagoshima.jp/bc09/kikan/amami/jigyo/honnen_jigyou/tyuusyuunomeigetu.html
Sorayoi, a traditional event in Chiran
Boys aged 7 – 14 in unique straw costumes and corn-shaped hats perform “Sorayoi” in appreciation of the good harvest. A tug-of-war and sumo games are also held after the event.
Kagoshima Prefecture Home Page: http://www.pref.kagoshima.jp/al01/event/nannsatu/250919nansatsu.html
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