flag from: http://www-japan.mit.edu/mit/culture-notes/english.html

as of 112/15.04

Japan Information network -The Kids Web FAQ
http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/plaza/culture/faqc_culture.html

Schauwecker's Guide to Japanese Holidays
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2062.html

Schauwecker's  Guide to Japanese Festivals
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2063.html

Schauwecker's Guide to Japanese New Year's
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2064.html

Japan Atlas Festivals
http://web-japan.org/atlas/festivals/festi_fr.html