On my way down to the train station yesterday, I was fortunate enough to run into a small local festival. An event that mostly involved the men folk carrying a mikoshi — a (not so) portable shrine — up the street.
Their progress was as slow and unsteady as you would imagine, but the accompanying beat of a huge drum seemed to help spur them on.
But the cheeky chap sat atop the drum undoubtedly had the best job of the day.
howard says
Morning Lee,
My wife and I watched “the Sea is Watching” on Saturday – featuring just such a non-portable shrine and a lot of water throwing. Beautiful (if puzzling – the English subtitles were on vari-speed) film, although the cultural nuances were probably wasted on us.
Lee says
Hi Howard
I’ve beeen lucky enough to see this kind of thing quite a few times, but I still end up looking on in fascination whilst really not understanding what is going on.
When all is said and done though, they are such joyous affairs that in some respect I don’t think it matters. People are relaxed, happy, and quite often enjoying a few drinks, so to try and read too much into it can take away as lot of the fun.
That’s my excuse anyway!
becky says
you konw japan looks so cool, i’d go there for a holiday but i’d never live there
Stan says
I had the pleasure of watching a kids festival in Naha. It was a wonderful ceremony as well.
Jack says
Lot`s of comments about cool, but let me tell you what will be hot in Tokyo in 2006 – K1. Fell in love with the sport during a trip to Tokyo this year. I recommend everyone look up the sport.