Slide Show

On October 13, the town of Sawara, Japan, celebrated Watch Day during the annual autumn festival, a centuries-old tradition that was held for the second time in Sawara after the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake. During the second day of the festival a parade of traditional floats from Sawara’s communities converged on the center of the town. In this area, the Ono River and Sawara Historic District Preservation Association have led restoration efforts for buildings that were damaged in the earthquake, with the support of WMF. The day started when a community gathered in recognition of shared efforts for earthquake recovery. Public exhibitions on the 2012 World Monuments Watch, the experience of the 2011 earthquake, and subsequent restoration efforts were on view. As night fell, lanterns were lit on every float, creating a dramatic sight for residents and visitors to Sawara.

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The landscape of Sawara is characterized by historic machiya townhouses along the Ono riverfront.

The Kyu-Abuso machiya and its traditional kura storehouse were damaged during the 2011 earthquake.

To raise awareness and support for conservation efforts, Watch Day was celebrated as part of the annual autumn festival in Sawara.

Festival parade floats all converge on the Ono River at the center of Sawara. Each of the floats represents a different community in Sawara.

Local men play traditional music on a parade float.

Musicians performed during the festival.

The festival originated more than three centuries ago and was celebrated for the second time since the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake.

A young girl performs a traditional dance during the parade.

Representatives of World Monuments Fund and American Express participated in a community gathering in recognition of shared efforts for earthquake recovery.

As night fell, lanterns were lit on the street and every float, creating a dramatic sight for residents and visitors.