Michael Dyan Foster introduces Japanese festivals, or matsuri, emphasizing their diversity, creativity, and flexibility. We’ll explore some common elements of matsuri and take a whirlwind tour of large and small festivals performed around Japan—from Aomori to Kyoto to Kagoshima. Then we’ll take a deeper look at one event, Namahage of Akita Prefecture, famous as a quirky, scary tradition in which young men dress as demons and march from house to house frightening children and blessing families.