On 25 July, Visit the Festival of the God of Learning in Osaka
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Are you planning to visit Japan this summer?
If you are in Osaka on the evening of 25 July, you may want to change your plans a little.
Put on a yukata, buy some food or a beer from a festival stall, and watch fireworks light up the night sky.
This is one of those very Japanese summer experiences.
Yes, Osaka has a big summer festival called Tenjin Matsuri (天神祭).
Tenjin Matsuri is the festival of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine (大阪天満宮).
It is often called one of Japan’s three great festivals, and it has a history of more than 1,000 years.
The evening of 25 July is especially famous.
Many boats travel along the river, and about 3,000 fireworks are launched into the sky.
Because you see them in the middle of Osaka, the sound and light feel very close.
It is powerful and exciting🎇🏮
So, what does Tenjin (天神) mean?
The word Tenjin is connected to Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真), a real person from Japanese history.
Michizane was very talented in learning and politics.
However, he lost in a political struggle and was sent away from Kyoto to Kyushu.
He died there.
After his death, there were disasters, lightning strikes, and diseases in Kyoto.
People at that time believed these might be caused by Michizane’s anger💢.
To calm his spirit, they began to worship him as Tenjin.
Today, he is well known as the god of learning📚.
For me, Tenjin Matsuri has been familiar since childhood.
I went there with my family wearing yukata😊
In July and August, many festivals with fireworks take place across Japan.
In Singapore too, fireworks for National Day or New Year feel more special when you know what they are celebrating.
Japanese festivals are the same.
Fireworks, food stalls, and yukata are already fun, but if you know the history behind the festival, you can enjoy it more deeply.
Before you go, try learning a little about the background, and maybe share that fun fact with your friends.
Taichi
Tomo Japanese Language School
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