The Japanese fire-walk is lighting up once again, burning away the sins and desires of devout and cleansing the environment. A traditional Japanese ceremony celebrated by Buddhist mountain monks and believers of the religion, the event ties together the natives and foreigners alike, allowing for a fun weekend getaway of serenity and relaxation. Both children and adults are gathered together during the walk, transforming the quiet Tokaichiba mountain into a lively area, a hospitable environment filled with the warmth of people and fire, honoring a sacred, Japanese tradition.
As an international school, St. Mary’s International School [SMIS] advocates for the exploration and immersion of multicultural demographics and traditions. The event resonates with the dense Japanese population of the school community alongside enthusiasts of culture. Yasunari Kamishima, a Japanese native attending SMIS, shares his view on the ceremony and how it resonates and coincides with his upbringing. “It serves as a way to honor my culture, the Japanese culture, and provide an opportunity for people to experience this eye-opening event,” Kamishima states. He digresses, “Without ceremonies like these, people in Japan would lose their sense of community and heritage.” His statement reflects on how the event not only serves as a gateway to purification and repentance, but also as a door to diversity.
The fire-walk supports international students, like those from SMIS, to engage more with not just Japanese culture, but various cultures as a whole. As times and trends online shift quickly in the present day, Tokaichiba Fire Walk serves as an event that grounds one back to nature and community. The ceremony serves as remembrance for Japanese culture and heritage, highlighting that traditions in any culture should be celebrated. It demonstrates that cultural aspects and traditions create open-mindedness and thoughtfulness within everyone.
