Tori no Ichi: A Tradition festival of Prosperity and Success

As the autumn leaves begin to fall, Japan prepares for one of its most vibrant and significant festivals - Tori no Ichi (酉の市). This vibrant celebration, dedicated to the deity of prosperity, is not just a cultural spectacle but also a significant event for businesses and entrepreneurs seeking success in the coming year. CI&T JAPAN is excited to participate in this year's festivities as last year, embracing the rich traditions and sharing them with all of you.

What is Tori no Ichi?

Tori no Ichi, or "Rooster Market," is held annually in November at various shrines across Japan, with the most famous being at Otori Shrine in Asakusa, Tokyo. The festival is celebrated on the days of the rooster in the lunar calendar, which typically fall on the 2nd, 14th, and 26th days of the month. During this time, vendors gather to sell decorative talismans known as "kumade," which are intricately crafted bamboo rakes adorned with colorful decorations and symbols of good fortune.The rooster symbolizes vigilance and the arrival of good fortune, making this festival an essential moment of reflection and hope for many.

A Business Tradition

For many, Tori no Ichi is not just a celebration but a crucial moment for business. Entrepreneurs and business owners attend the festival to pray for success and prosperity in their ventures. It is a time to reflect on the past year, set intentions for the future, and seek blessings for growth and abundance.

The Meaning Behind Kumade

The kumade(熊手) serves as a powerful symbol of prosperity and success. The word "kumade" translates to "rake," which signifies the act of raking in wealth and good fortune. Vendors set up colorful stalls filled with these intricately crafted bamboo rakes, adorned with a variety of charms, symbols, and decorations representing luck and success. It is common to see people holding their kumade high, showcasing their hopes for abundance, success, and a fruitful future.

Our Kumade for this year: 2024 - 2025

CI&T JAPAN’s Participation

At CI&T JAPAN, we recognize the importance of cultural traditions like Tori no Ichi since participating in Tori no Ichi is not only about celebrating prosperity; it’s also an opportunity for CI&T JAPAN to connect with local businesses and communities. As part of our commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of local customs, we will participate in the festival by engaging with the community, learning from artisans, and sharing the significance of this event with our global partners/teams.

We are so happy that we joined Tori-no-Ichi this year and got our beautiful Kumade in our office!

CI&T JAPAN looks forward to celebrating with the local community and sharing the spirit of Tori no Ichi with our global audience again next year…

Together, let us rake in blessings, prosperity, and success for the year ahead!

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