Life In Kochi & Manga Experience

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in local life through experiences that present folk beliefs and showcase pop culture. In Kami City, you will watch a ritual dance performance known as Izanagi-ryu, which harmoniously blends elements of Shintoism, Buddhism and folk religions. It will be a mesmerizing experience that you can contribute to by cutting out a paper gohei wand as an offering to a god. You will also see artists draw manga, a highly stylized form of comic books and graphic novels. Manga isn’t a new phenomenon, but its popularity has grown dramatically as it appeals to people of all ages. The artists will be happy to discuss how they draw the characters and come up with the mature-themed stories. Characters are also prominently featured on furafu, a type of painted flag that is displayed outside homes in hopes that newborns will enjoy a prosperous future. A furafu demonstration will show how they are created.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a ritual dance performance that combines elements of various Japanese religions.
• See artists draw manga, a popular form of Japanese cartooning that depicts mature themes.
• Visit a factory that produces colorful flags that are intended to bestow good fortune on newborns.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.