Ireland

  St. Patrick’s Day, the commemoration of the death of the patron saint of Ireland, is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other national festival, and Japan, is of course, no different. As a day in which the abstinence restrictions of lent are temporarily lifted, it has, particularly in North America, been commonly associated with drunken revelry, however here in Japan, that is a side of the proceedings you can either take or leave, depending on where you go to celebrate. Pop on some green, and take your pick! St Patrick’s Day Parade – Harajuku A couple of days after the official day of celebration, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Harajuku has extra cause for celebration: their 25th anniversary. The biggest Irish event in Japan, it started in 1992 for the purpose of introducing Ireland to Japanese people, and sees the Omotesando avenue closed off to allow the parade to march through between 13:00 and 15:00. You can either go along to cheer on the array of green-garbed celebrants, including banners, pipers and a healthy smattering of leprechauns, or if you want to get involved in the actual parade itself, you can sign up to take part as a volunteer. The…