JAPAN
Matsuri
The Japanese matsuri is a traditional festival rooted in Shinto beliefs. A traditional Shinto festival where in this case a small neighborhood in ötsuka, Tokyo, come alive together.
Dressed in traditional happi coats, people gather at the shrine to take part in the mikoshi procession; a special event where they lift and carry a portable shrine through the streets. This shrine is believed to hold the spirit of a local god, and by carrying it around the neighborhood, they share the god’s blessings and protection with everyone in the community.
Dressed in traditional happi coats, people gather at the shrine to take part in the mikoshi procession; a special event where they lift and carry a portable shrine through the streets. This shrine is believed to hold the spirit of a local god, and by carrying it around the neighborhood, they share the god’s blessings and protection with everyone in the community.
DJ NOBU taken on future terror event, on WWBShibuya, Tokyo.
From my sumo wrestling tour where I followed sumo wrestlers through training for olympics in 2025.
Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple
The Kecak Dance is one of Bali’s most famous traditional performances, and watching it at Uluwatu Temple is a truly unforgettable experience. This unique Balinese Hindu dance and music drama originated in the 1930s and is based on the Hindu epic Ramayana, telling the story of Prince Rama’s quest to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana.
What makes the Kecak Dance distinct is that it features no musical instruments. Instead, a large group of about 50–100 male performers sit in a circle, rhythmically chanting “cak, cak, cak” while moving their hands and bodies in unison. Their powerful chanting replaces the role of a traditional gamelan orchestra, creating an entrancing soundscape.
At Uluwatu, the performance takes place on a clifftop amphitheater overlooking the Indian Ocean, right next to the ancient Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, one of Bali’s most important sea temples. The show is timed to begin around 6:00 PM, so audiences can watch as the sun sets dramatically over the ocean, adding a natural backdrop of golden light and evening breeze.
The combination of traditional storytelling, synchronized movement, flickering fire, and the setting sun makes the Uluwatu Kecak Dance one of the most iconic cultural experiences in Bali. It’s both a celebration of Balinese heritage and a breathtaking performance that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.
POLYNESIA SERIES
Happiness farm, Haleiwa Hawaii
content pictures for their social platform:
photographs from Travesias magazine, where I covered oslo for their September issue.
