Immersing ourselves in a summer tradition in Chigasaki last July, we joined the crowds for the festival where shrines are carried into the sea. We found ourselves in the heart of a vibrant coastal celebration. Standing among spirited participants, we listened to the rhythmic chanting and the beat of drums echoing across the shore. As the mikoshi were hoisted high and borne into the waves, teams of bearers surged through the surf, a reminder of Japan's deep-rooted devotion and communal spirit. Each moment brought new energy. This was one of the most exhilarating traditions of the Japanese summer.