The expectations from a young love

At the end of spring, before the summer break, young japanese students have the opportunity to invite their love interests to go to the matsuri, or festival.

“Ao Haru Ride” follows Futaba Yoshioka, who fell in love with her classmate Kou Tanaka in middle school. Their romance ended abruptly when Kou vanished. Three years later, as Futaba approaches high school graduation, Kou reappears as Kou Mabuchi, now cold and distant. Futaba seeks to understand his change and wonders if they can rekindle their love or if more heartache awaits. This 2023 Japanese drama is based on Io Sakisaka’s popular manga and directed by Kimura Mahito. This series also has a second season , where Kou can finally do the promised date from years before. 

High school in Japan is a transformative time enriched by festivals (祭り, matsuri) that enhance social interactions and budding romance. The full school boards incentivise the students to build an activity inside their classroom for the day, which also serves as a marketing to attract new students. Key points include:

• Matsuri expresses gratitude to deities and foster communities.
• Festivals vary by season, including cherry blossom and snow festivals.
• Events like fireworks and Bon Odori folk dance attract locals and tourists alike.

Festivals provide a vibrant backdrop for students to socialize and experience young love. They facilitate first crushes and dating experiences through relaxed group outings.

Types of Festivals:

• Autumn Festivals (Aki Matsuri): Harvest celebrations with parades and food.
• New Year’s Festivals (Shogatsu): Involves shrine visits and traditional foods.
• Cherry Blossom Festivals (Hanami): Celebrating spring with picnics under blooming trees.
• Summer Festivals (Natsu Matsuri): Features fireworks, dances, and street food.
• Winter Festivals: Includes snow festivals like the Sapporo Snow Festival.
• Year-end Festivals (Toshikoshi): Reflective events welcoming the New Year.

Student Experiences:

• First experiences of dating occur during festivals, enhanced by the festive atmosphere.
• Modern communication tools like social media influence relationships.
• Friends often assist in dating dynamics, and cultural attire adds to the experience.
• Emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and social skills are developed through these interactions.

Overall, high school students navigate dating and cultural traditions through festivals, creating lasting memories and a deeper understanding of themselves and their heritage.

References: 

SCHOOL LIFE IN JAPAN | School Fest | Vlog #15 – Lulu in Japan

Japanese Festivals & events – Japan Tourism 

https://www.japan.travel/en/see-and-do/festivals-and-events

What is Matsuri (Japanese cultural festival)? – ANA

https://www.ana.co.jp/en/kh/japan-travel-planner/japanese-festival-omatsuri/0000001.html