As the year draws to a close, let’s celebrate four Japanese festivals added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2025 🎊! Held in Ibaraki, Niigata, Toyama, and Shiga, these festivals join the 33 events featuring yama, hoko, and yatai float processions already on the list. With ornate decorations such as mechanical karakuri dolls and lanterns 🏮, they serve not only as prayers for peace and protection from natural disasters but also as opportunities for shared participation. Communi