Japanese texts from the 8th century describe the magical transformative properties of combs, specifically their ability to change into torches or clumps of bamboo. More intimately, it was thought that a comb embodied the spirit of its owner. Their special nature led to ceremonies honoring used combs. One such ceremony is held each September in Kyoto. During spring and fall migrations, waterfowl are present in great numbers in the grassy marshes that are a familiar feature along the coasts and rivers of Japan.