Tourists and locals don raincoats over their yukata casual summer kimono as they enjoy traditional Japanese dancing in Gujo, Gifu Prefecture, on Saturday's first day of the annual Gujo Odori festival. The event, designated as important national intangible folk cultural asset, is said to have started during the Edo period (1603-1867) when a local lord encouraged townspeople to gather at the foot of his castle and dance to promote civil harmony. The festival is held for 31 evenings through Sept. 7, with all-night sessions scheduled from Aug. 13 to 16.
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