Fujifilm XT-5 Street Photography at a Japanese Festival [Sanja Matsuri, 三社祭]

Spent two days shooting at one of the biggest festivals in Tokyo, the Sanja Matsuri, back in early May with my Fujifilm X-T5.
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[@joseguimaraes1094]

Amazing video and pictures. Your work is incredible! Congratulations!

[@jamesford_jp]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@monikabrandenstein5011]

Hi James, today I was able to take the time to watch your Sanja Matsuri video and give some feedback. You definitely managed to take some great photos in the crowds that were there, especially on the second day with many outstanding portraits. It was very interesting to watch. I did a little research online to find out what was going on in Tokyo during those days so I could understand it. Those pictures/tattoos on the men's bodies, my goodness! What courage they have to get such large areas inked. But of course, they are very proud of it and quite happy to pose to be captured in photos. After "looking over your shoulder", I thought of similar celebrations in many countries around the world, depending on their worldview or religious rules - with very specific set rituals performed on some days of the year. For example, I once experienced Semana Santa week in Spain - the Christian Holy Week before Easter. I was traveling in several cities in Andalusia and saw hundreds of people taking part in these ritualized processions that stem from deep-rooted popular piety. And sometimes it was not without danger to be standing on the edge and yet in the middle of the “hustle and bustle”, because the people standing and walking so close together almost took each other’s breath away. Finally, please excuse my leap of thought - greetings Monika

[@jamesford_jp]

Hi Monika ☺️ You won’t see the Tattooed guys near the main festival area since they are Yakuza members. It’s one of the few times you can see them out in public since various laws passed since the 90s have made life as a Yakuza far more difficult and their numbers have drastically decreased from its peak in the 80s and 90s. And yes, I would love to see and experience more festivals around the world! I’ve seen videos about various Christian festivals across Europe and they look just as fascinating as what we have here in Japan. I hope to make my way over there someday-hopefully sooner rather than later 😅 Have a great weekend!