This week is Obon in Japan (technically only the 13-15th, but a week-long holiday for many companies). A traditional celebration akin to the roots of Halloween in Europe, it marks the return of departed family members to the family home, with special offerings, cleaning the family grave(s), etc.
While it's always been a "return home to visit the family" holiday no matter where you happen to live now, more and more people are treating it as a chance to travel, so never, ever go to Japan during Obon or you'll get hit with "special prices" at hotels, etc. ("Special" in this case means "higher"!).
For those of us abroad shopping with online Japanese stores and dealers, check the site to see if shipping will be delayed until next week.
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