Like hanami, which is the art of admiring cherry blossoms, the hotaru-gari is a fleeting event to which the Japanese are very attached. In June, at the start of every summer, the fireflies come out and offer a poetic, even magical, spectacle.
A historical and spiritual dimension
It was during the Edo era (1603-1868) that the arrival of the fireflies at the start of summer really sparked enthusiasm. The tradition was to capture them to enclose them in little boxes and be able to admire them for as long as possible. To do this, large fans were notably used.
Initially practised in bourgeois circles, firefly hunting eventually became more widespread over time to become a real spectacle of contemplation. Just as with the admiration of cherry blossoms, being able to attend this type of fleeting event is a privilege for every Japanese person.
The light of fireflies, through bioluminescence, is often associated with the manifestation of the souls of the departed, notably those of warriors who died in battle. This phenomenon, lasting only a few weeks at most, prompts reflection on the fragility of life and everyone's existence. As with many natural phenomena, the Japanese indeed find in it a more spiritual dimension, leading one to reflect on and reconsider one's way of life.
Where to admire the fireflies?
The part of the archipelago where the spectacle is most grandiose is said to be in Nagano Prefecture. The fireflies there are so numerous that it's in this province that a festival is now held every year to contemplate the spectacle. Other "matsuri" (festivals) are also offered near Tokyo or in the prefectures of Tokushima and Hyogo.
During these events, many photographers, amateur or professional, rush to immortalise the spectacle. However, you need as much patience as dexterity to manage to capture the insects' bioluminescence in the dark. The exercise is moreover easier if you go to the towns that carry out firefly releases. Although the moment is a little less "natural", it still offers a breathtaking spectacle.
In Japanese culture
Whether in literature, painting or even cartoons, the appearance of the fireflies has long been evoked through the Japanese arts.
"Grave of the Fireflies", for example — does that ring a bell? Indeed, this anime by Isao Takahata, released in 1988 and one of the great classics, notably takes up this event as the backdrop of its story. As tragic as it is, the film gives the two main characters the chance to admire the fireflies one summer evening in 1945.
You can also find several prints illustrating hotaru-gari:
