Takayama Spring Festival: A Filming Adventure

Last Sunday, I had the incredible opportunity to capture the vibrant energy of Takayama Matsuri through my lens.

As a newcomer to Japan, experiencing my first matsuri since the pandemic was truly exhilarating. From the colorful processions to the lively performances, every moment felt like a glimpse into the heart of Japanese culture.

Despite filming for hours on end, the real challenge came during the editing process. After spending two days refining my footage, I realized my initial draft was too lengthy and lacked excitement. Determined to do justice to the festival’s spirit, I started anew and just finished the video moments ago.

I’m eager to share my creation with you and hope to captivate your attention for just four minutes.

A fun anecdote from my filming adventure: I decided to use a 3-meter extendable selfie stick, much to the entertainment of onlookers. Walking around with this towering pole drew some curious glances and even a few chuckles, but I was undeterred. The unconventional setup allowed me to capture unique angles of the Yatai and the bustling crowds below. Thankfully, I managed to navigate through the festivities without causing any mishaps!

Here’s the video—sit back, enjoy, and please share your feedback. I’m committed to honing my skills in filming and editing, and your insights are invaluable.