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With the arrival of autumn in Japan, the land of the shining sun turns into a natural and cultural masterpiece. This season, with its colorful transition of leaves to gold and orange, creates stunning landscapes across the country. Japan's autumn festivals are a symbol of the great culture and history of this land, which invite tourists to an experience beyond a tourist trip. This monsoon usually lasts from the end of September to November, and along with the changing colors of flowers and tree branches, it creates stunning views. As a window into Japanese culture and history, festivals and events this time of year offer unique and engaging experiences to visitors.
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From festivals such as the Takayama Festival with its ornate flutes and mechanical karakuri to the Sapporo Festival with its local Hokkaido cuisine, each of these events points to the novelty of local architecture and traditional art. The Jedai Matsuri festival in Kyoto depicts the cultural diversity of Japan with costumes from different eras. All of these festivals offer tourists a chance to immerse themselves in Japan's cultural and natural experiences, bringing visitors a mix of culture, art, and nature during the fall season. Stay with us and we will introduce you to these festivals by providing a complete list of autumn festivals in Japan in this article.
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Why travel to Japan in autumn?
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Traveling to Japan in the fall, usually from late September to November, is a popular choice for several compelling reasons:
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- Japan's landscape transforms into a stunning palette of reds, oranges and yellows during autumn. The changing colors of the leaves, known as koyo or fall foliage, create stunning scenes in parks, mountains, and historic sites.
- Fall offers the perfect temperature, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. In contrast to the hot and humid summer, the weather is cooler and pleasant, providing a pleasant environment for exploring the cities and natural attractions.
- Autumn in Japan is a season full of lively cultural festivals that showcase the country's rich heritage. Attending these Japanese autumn festivals during the fall months offers a unique insight into Japan's cultural traditions, artistic expression, and culinary delights. The combination of historical re-enactments, traditional performances and the beauty of autumn foliage make these events truly immersive and memorable for visitors seeking a deeper connection with Japan's heritage.
- Autumn is the harvest season in Japan. Fresh and seasonal produce is plentiful and visitors can enjoy a variety of fruits, vegetables and local cuisine. It is a great time to taste local food and attend food festivals.
- While fall is a popular time to visit, it generally sees fewer tourists compared to the peak cherry blossom season in spring. This means you can explore popular attractions more easily and enjoy a more relaxed travel experience.
- The lower temperature makes soaking in onsen hot springs more enjoyable. Many areas of Japan, including Beppu, are famous for their onsen, and autumn is the ideal time to relax in warm, calm waters surrounded by beautiful scenery.
- Autumn is a great time to participate in cultural activities. Whether it's tea ceremonies, traditional performances or participating in local festivals, visitors can immerse themselves in Japan's rich cultural traditions.
- From the iconic Mt.Fuji framed by autumn leaves to the scenic beauty of places like Nikko and Arami Bamboo Garden in Kyoto, autumn provides stunning scenery for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
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Overall, the combination of vibrant fall foliage, comfortable weather, cultural experiences, and delicious seasonal cuisine make fall a very attractive time to visit Japan. Whether you're exploring bustling cities or tranquil countryside, the fall atmosphere adds a magical touch to your travel experience.
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Japanese autumn festivals
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Japan's autumn season is marked by countless traditional festivals that showcase the country's rich cultural heritage. These Japanese autumn festivals represent a small sample of the cultural richness that Japan has to offer during the autumn months. Each event offers a unique glimpse into the country's traditions, art and history, making autumn the ideal time for travelers to immerse themselves in Japan's cultural tapestry. The combination of the stunning fall foliage and these traditional festivities creates a memorable and enchanting experience for visitors. In the following, more information will be provided about the autumn festivals of Japan that are held in the autumn season of Japan.
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1. Otsukimi Festival
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Atsukimi is one of the traditional Japanese autumn festivals and is also known as the moon viewing festival. It usually occurs in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar, when the full moon is at its brightest and most beautiful. During Etsukimi, people gather to appreciate the beauty of the full moon and the harvest. This festival is rooted in ancient Japanese customs and is often associated with various cultural practices.
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People often celebrate Otsukimi by holding moon-gazing parties with family and friends. They usually gather in gardens, parks or open spaces to enjoy the sight of the full moon. Special dumplings called tsukimi dango are usually eaten during otsukemi. These dumplings are often arranged in a pyramid shape to represent the full moon. Some people also offer other seasonal foods and fruits as part of the celebration.
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Decorative items such as pampas grass (sousuki) and autumn flowers are displayed during otsukimi. These items were chosen because of their connection with the autumn season. In Japanese folklore, rabbits are believed to live on the moon, and during tsukimi, you may see decorations or images of rabbits (tsukimi-usagi) on traditional tsukimi items. Itsukimi has inspired many poets and writers, and it is common to find haiku and other forms of poetry related to the beauty of the moon during this festival. Tsukimi is a time to reflect on the changing seasons, express gratitude for the harvest, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the full moon. The specific customs associated with otsukimi may vary from region to region in Japan.
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2. Takayama Autumn Festival
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Takayama Festival, also known as Takayama Matsuri, is one of the most famous autumn festivals in Japan. It is held twice a year in the historic city of Takayama in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Held in spring and autumn, the festival is famous for its magnificent floats, traditional puppet shows, parades and lively atmosphere.
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Takayama Festival is held twice a year. The Spring Festival (Sanno Matsuri) is held in April and the Autumn Festival (Hachiman Matsuri) is held in October. Both festivals are known for their distinctive charm and traditions. The festival is famous for its magnificent yatais or floats, elaborately decorated with beautiful carvings, lacquer work and textiles. Each float represents a specific area of Takayama and is a work of art in itself. These floats feature ningyu karakuri or mechanical puppets that perform fun mechanical movements. These dolls work using a gear and lever system.
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During the festival, there are various traditional performances including traditional music, dance and martial arts demonstrations. These shows showcase the cultural heritage of the region. This festival is held around Sakurayama Hachimango Temple. The floats parade through the streets of Takayama and go to the shrine for ceremonies and rituals. The Takayama Festival has a long history dating back to the 16th century. It represents the cultural and religious traditions of the local community and has been designated as one of the important intangible cultural assets of the Japanese people. On the first night of both the Spring and Autumn Festivals, there is a spectacular procession of lantern-lit floats known as Yomatsuri. The floats are beautifully lit and create a magical and enchanting atmosphere.
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The Takayama Festival attracts visitors from all over Japan and around the world who come to experience its unique blend of history, culture and crafts. These festivals provide an opportunity to witness the beauty of traditional Japanese festivals and the skillful artistry involved in making floating and mechanical puppets.
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3. Nihonmatsu Chochin Matsuri Lantern Festival
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The Nihonmatsu Chochin Matsuri, also known as the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival, is an annual Japanese autumn festival event held in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The festival is famous for its spectacular display of traditional Japanese lanterns, or chuchin, which are lit and paraded through the streets in a lively procession.
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The festival is usually held in early October. The highlight of the festival is the grand parade with large and beautifully decorated lanterns. These lanterns are often made with beautiful designs, vibrant colors and symbols of good luck. The festival includes traditional plays, music and dances performed by local participants, these cultural performances add to the festive atmosphere of the event.
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The lanterns are lit in the evening and create a magical and enchanting atmosphere. The soft glow of the lanterns against the night sky is the main attraction for both locals and visitors. Visitors can take part in chochin making workshops or buy smaller lanterns as souvenirs. This hands-on experience allows participants to appreciate the skill involved in creating traditional lanterns. This festival is often associated with local shrines and rituals and ceremonies may be held in these shrines.
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The Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival attracts locals and tourists alike who come to experience the vibrant atmosphere, traditional performances, and visual spectacle of lit lanterns. It is a celebration of local culture, craftsmanship and community spirit that provides a unique and memorable experience for those who attend.
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4. Jidai Matsuri Festival
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Jidai Matsuri or Festival of the Ages is one of the three important festivals of Kyoto along with Gion Matsuri and Aoi Matsuri. This event, which is one of Japan's autumn festivals, is held every year on October 22 and features a large and colorful historical parade that covers different periods of Japanese history.
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The main attraction of the Jedai Matsuri is a grand procession featuring participants in historically accurate costumes representing different periods of Japanese history. The parade starts from Kyoto Imperial Palace and continues to Heian Temple. Each section of the procession represents a different era, showing changing fashions, customs and lifestyles over the centuries. The parade includes representations of famous historical figures, such as samurai, court nobles, warriors, and commoners from different time periods. These participants often recreate scenes from their respective eras.
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Traditional horse rides and beautifully decorated bullock carts are part of this procession which adds to the historical atmosphere. The parade starts at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and ends at Heian Temple along a route that spans several kilometers. The entire walk takes several hours to complete. After the parade, a ceremony including performance, traditional music and dance will be held at Heian Temple. Jidai Matsuri provides a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience Japan's rich cultural and historical heritage. The meticulous attention to detail in the costumes, props and reconstructions make it a visually stunning and educational experience.
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5. Shichi-Go-San Festival
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Shichi-go-sa is a traditional and festive event in Japan that takes place on November 15th every year. This festival is held to celebrate the growth and well-being of children, especially three- and seven-year-old girls and three- and five-year-old boys. The term Shichi-go-san means seven-five-three.
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At the age of three, both boys and girls participate in Shichi-gu-san. They often wear traditional kimonos and go to shrines with their parents to pray for their health and well-being. Boys celebrate Shichi-go-san at the age of five. They also wear traditional clothes and go to the shrine with their families. Girls celebrate again at the age of seven. They wear kimonos and go to the shrine as in previous festivals.
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Children often wear traditional kimonos for Shichi-go-san celebrations. Girls wear colorful, patterned kimonos with accessories, while boys wear traditional hakama, a type of formal Japanese clothing. Families visit Shinto shrines during Shichi Go San to pray for the health and well-being of their children. It is a time of thanksgiving and seeking blessings for the future. Chitose-ame, a thousand-year-old Japanese candy, is a long, thin, red and white candy that is often given to children during Shichigo San. This candy symbolizes the child's wish for a long and healthy life.
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Kyuhoshi.com is a travel website that has provided useful information about Japanese festivals. According to the information quoted on this website, Shichigo San is one of Japan's autumn festivals, which is an important and joyous cultural celebration that shows the importance that It is given to the welfare and development of children. Families take pride in dressing their children in traditional clothes and participating in a ceremony that has been passed down from generation to generation.
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6. Tori-no-Ichi Festival
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Tori-no-Ichi, one of Japan's autumn festivals also known as Bird Day or Rooster Day, is a traditional Japanese festival held at various otori shrines across Japan. It is celebrated every year on certain days in November and its roots can be traced back to the Edo period. The festival is dedicated to the god Ottori, who is believed to protect against evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity.
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This festival is held on certain days in November. These days are calculated according to the Chinese zodiac calendar and usually occur every 12 days. The most important day of Tori-no-Ichi is usually the day closest to the 2nd of November. Tori-no-ichi is seen at Otori shrines, and two of the most famous sites of the festival are Otori Jinja in Asakusa, Tokyo and Hanazuno Shrine in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Many other shrines throughout Japan also hold Rooster Day celebrations.
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The festival grounds are decorated with colorful decorations, including kumad (bamboo capes) decorated with symbols of good luck and prosperity. Booths are set up selling komad and other lucky charms for visitors. The main item of the festival is the Kumade, a bamboo rake decorated with various auspicious symbols such as bales, rice, fish and masks. Kumad is believed to bring good fortune. People buy Komad as a way to bring prosperity and success in business.
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Festive performances, including traditional music and dance, are held in the shrine during the celebration, the atmosphere is lively and filled with a spirit of gratitude and hope for the future. Visitors participate in a handshake ritual called “teimeh” during Tori-no-Ichi. This ritual is believed to bring good luck and is done by clapping hands in a certain rhythm.
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Tori-no-Ichi, or Rooster Day, is especially popular with business owners and those seeking prosperity in their endeavors. The festival attracts a mix of locals and tourists who come to experience the lively atmosphere, buy komad for good luck and participate in traditional rituals.
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7. Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
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Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is one of Japan's vibrant and dynamic autumn festivals held every year in Kishiwada, Osaka, Japan. It is one of the most famous and energetic danjiri (floating) festivals in the country. This festival is held over two days in the middle of September, usually around 14th and 15th. The main highlight of the event is the impressive procession of elaborately decorated Danjiri floats that are pulled through the streets with great enthusiasm.
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In this festival, ornate and large wooden floats, known as dhangiri, are decorated with vivid colors, intricate carvings and tapestries. Each neighborhood or community in Kishiwada has its own danjiri, and teams of participants work together to drag them through the streets. One of the unique aspects of Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is the competitive element. Participating teams, often representing different neighborhoods, energetically pull and maneuver the heavy danjiri floats through the narrow streets, demonstrating their strength and teamwork. This competition adds excitement and intensity to the festival.
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Festival participants sing energetic chants accompanied by traditional music as they pull dhangiri through the streets. The lively atmosphere is one of the key aspects of the festival that creates a sense of community and celebration. This festival includes a night parade during which Danjiri floats are lit up and create a spectacular and festive atmosphere. The night parade is a visually stunning aspect of the event.
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The festival also includes Shinto ceremonies and rituals at Kishiwada Shinto shrines, which add a spiritual element to the celebration. Thousands of spectators line the streets to watch the march and cheer on the participants. This festival attracts both locals and tourists who come to experience the lively atmosphere.
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Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is one of Japan's autumn festivals known for its high energy, competitive spirit, and impressive danjiri floats. It is a cultural event that showcases the rich tradition of floating festivals in Japan, and the dedication and teamwork of the participants contributes to its cheerful and lively atmosphere.
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8. Kichijoji Autumn Festival
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Japan's Autumn Festivals at Kichijoji are a lively, community-oriented event that features a parade of mikoshi shrines and various festivities. The festival lasts for two days and the main event is held on September 10. On the day of the main event, 11 mikoshi from different regions will participate in a march around the neighborhood. The procession moves to Musashino Hachimangu Temple, which includes a route that showcases the various areas of Kichijoji. Each mikoshi has its own unique design that adds visual variety to the lineup. The mention of distinct hymns indicates that there were unique rituals or expressions associated with each mikoshi. On September 9, the Mikoshi Children's Parade is going to be held. The parade starts from Heiwa-dori just outside the north exit of Kichijoji Station.
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Visitors and locals can expect a lively and cultural experience during the festival days, with opportunities to watch traditional rituals, enjoy street food and participate in family-friendly activities. The mikoshi parade and the unique features associated with each mikoshi give the event a distinctive look.
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9. Sapporo Autumn Festival
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Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido in northern Japan, hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. One of the most famous and prominent autumn festivals in Japan is the Sapporo Autumn Food Festival. In addition, there are other events that celebrate different aspects of Hokkaido's culture, seasons, and traditions.
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Held in the fall when the season arrives, the highlight is the opportunity to sample the local cuisine of the entire Hokkaido region. Different and special dishes from different parts of Hokkaido are offered, which shows the diversity of the cuisine of this region. Attendees can expect a festive atmosphere with food stalls, vendors and a celebration of Hokkaido's rich culinary heritage. In keeping with the autumn theme, the festival emphasizes dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients at that time of year. The festival also highlights local beverages, including Hokkaido's famous craft beers and other regional beverages.
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10. Nagasaki Kunchi Festival
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The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival is an annual autumn festival held in Nagasaki, a city located in the Kyushu region of Japan. The festival is held at Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki and is celebrated from October 7th to 9th every year. This festival has a variety of traditional shows including dance, music and theater shows. These performances showcase Nagasaki's unique cultural heritage and often incorporate elements from different cultures due to Nagasaki's history as an international trading port.
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Colorful floats, known as Hikiyama, are one of the highlights of Nagasaki's Kunchi Festival. These floats are decorated with colorful designs and are pulled through the streets by the participants. Nagasaki has a rich history of cultural exchange with various countries, including China and the Netherlands. Nagasaki Kanchi reflects this diversity with performances and costumes that incorporate elements from different cultures.
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One of the iconic performances during the festival is the Dragon Dance, in which a dragon-shaped figure is manipulated by a group of participants. It is believed that this dance brings happiness and prosperity. This festival includes rituals and ceremonies at the shrine of Suva where the participants pray for a bountiful harvest and the prosperity of the community.
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Nagasaki Konchi Festival includes the active participation of various neighborhoods and social groups. Local residents contribute to the festival by performing traditional dances, playing musical instruments and helping floats. The Nagasaki Konchi Festival has a history dating back several centuries. The festival began as a harvest festival in the fall and over time has become an important cultural event in Nagasaki.
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Nagasaki's Kanchi Festival, one of Japan's autumn festivals, attracts both locals and visitors who come to experience the lively atmosphere, traditional performances, and cultural richness of this event. It is an important part of Nagasaki's cultural heritage and provides a glimpse into the history of the city and its connections with different parts of the world.
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Personal experience of participating in Japanese autumn festivals
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Attending events like the Takayama Festival or the Sapporo Autumn Festival can provide a sensory feast of tastes, sights and sounds. Decorated floats, lively parades and the aroma of street food create a memorable atmosphere. Interacting with locals, watching traditional shows, and tasting seasonal delicacies like roasted sweet potatoes or chestnuts can help you gain a deeper understanding of Japan's cultural heritage during the enchanting autumn months.
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final word
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In the end, Japan's autumn festivals, like a peaceful and eye-catching summer, provide a pure opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the beauty of Japan's nature, history and culture. The experience becomes a special trip, with autumn colors, golden branches and festivals that transport visitors to a world of folklore and traditional art.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Japan's autumn festivals are usually held from late September to November. These months are the best time to experience these festivals with the changing color of the leaves and mild weather.
Japan's autumn festivals include a variety of events and activities, including market fairs, flute shows and parades, food festivals, and traditional ceremonies. Each festival has its own unique features and components.
Japan's autumn festivals include a wide variety of programs, including art exhibitions, concerts, competitions, traditional shows, and food festivals.
Yes, Japan's autumn festivals also welcome international tourists. Many events and festivals are open to the public and foreigners.
Yes, autumn in Japan has mild and cool weather that is very suitable for travel, the temperature is usually between 25-15 degrees Celsius.
By attending Japan's autumn festivals, tourists can experience local life, traditional art, and enjoy local cuisine. Also, beautiful natural spaces and local folklore exhibitions have their charm.
Festivals are usually held from September to November, but some festivals are held in different months. It is recommended to check the calendar of festivals and months when food and nature are at their best.
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