Okinawa City residents celebrate Kikushu
Okinawa City residents prepare food as offerings during Kikushu on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 2, 2014. Kikushu, which takes place each year on Sept. 9 of the lunar calendar, is an opportunity for residents of any given Japanese community to gather in a common area, such as a community garden, offer food to their ancestors and pray for their family's prosperity and a successful harvest. Afterward, a picnic is traditionally held where community members can share a meal with the spirits of their ancestors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zade C. Vadnais/Released)