Respect for the Aged Day (keiro no hi)

The third Monday in September is keiro no hi, a national holiday to celebrate long life, and show respect for the elders of society.

The community meets at the local temple to invite the spirit into the mini shrine. The door in the mini shrine is opened to let the spirit inside and given gifts. Once inside, the yukata clad lads from the neighborhood bounce the shrine around on their shoulders while chanting.

At night paper lanterns are strewn across the square and everyone eats and drinks. Men and women take turns playing the drums and everyone dances to thank the spirits for a good harvest.