Otsukimi Japanese Friendship Garden Event 29 Oct 2023

Otsukimi in Japanese means to gaze at the moon.  And it was a full moon on 29 October 2023 at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix.

The theme this year is Gekka, or moonflower.  It refers to the gentle light of the moon on flowers at night.   

The tradition of moon gazing in September and October began during the Heian period 794 AD to 1185 AD.  They would admire the reflection of the moon on ponds and in their sake, recite poetry, and play musical instruments.  

As part of the celebration, we witnessed the beauty of calligraphy as well.   

Japanese snacks and foods were featured along with sake and beer.   

And traditional Japanese music of singing and drums featuring musicians from the Yamaguchi Music Academy in Japan. 

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE