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Oct 27 2010 11 Comments

Kawagoe festival folk

Even though I’ve probably been to more festivals that I can, let alone care to remember, they never get boring — not in the slightest; the atmosphere, and particularly the people, making each one unique. Plus, to a man whose mother country has to make do with morris dancing, they really can’t be anything other than utterly mesmerising.

But that said, whereas I was once fascinated with the mikoshi that was being carried, or the enormous float that was somehow being steered down a street, my interest now lies much more with those doing the carrying and contributing.

And this year’s Kawagoe Festival was no different, with, as always, a varied contingent that included those of all ages.

Kawagoe festival

Colourfulness.

Kawagoe festival

And indeed coolness.

Kawagoe festival

Plus, along with a selection of sounds to sample,

Listen!

there was also a myriad of emotions to marvel at. This time covering the meditative.

Kawagoe festival

Mildly irritated.

Kawagoe festival

And of course, merry.

Kawagoe festival

Categorized: Culture, Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AdelaideBen says

    10/27/2010 at 5:09 pm

    Great post… yeah – the matsuri at the end of the day are about the people and communities that get involved. You’ve hit it on the head. Still… I love the collective emotion that is hard to capture on film. That’s the part that bubbles somewhere, ellusively, around the red blood vessels – and yet seems transcend the physical…. either that or it’s just a great way to let your hair down (apologies of insensitivity to the person in the last photo).

    Reply
    • Lee says

      10/27/2010 at 11:27 pm

      Cheers Ben!

      I agree, pictures only capture moments, whereas festivals generally seem much more than that. Especially the genuine feeling of community/camaraderie which is often hard to find elsewhere. Or at least so openly on display anyway.

      Oh, and I’m pretty sure the fella in the last photo shaved his head cos he felt like it, rather than felt he had to, so I’m pretty sure no apology is necessary!

      Reply
  2. ameiji says

    10/27/2010 at 11:54 pm

    Beautiful garments. The colors on the first and second pictures came out especially pleasant. Thanks, Lee!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      10/28/2010 at 7:49 am

      You are welcome ameiji. Glad you like them.

      Reply
  3. Jeffrey says

    10/28/2010 at 12:38 am

    Endured a year in a half of exile in Warabi and never made it to the Kawagoe Fall Festival. A shame.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      10/28/2010 at 7:51 am

      That is a pity Jeffrey. It’s quite a spectacle. Although the crowds can be pretty awful at times.

      Reply
  4. Otaku Depot says

    10/28/2010 at 2:50 am

    I love looking at your posts, especially the festivals. The guy’s smile in the last photo is really wonderful, such a great shot .

    Reply
    • Lee says

      10/28/2010 at 7:52 am

      Thank you! Quite a character isn’t he?

      Reply
  5. Lizzy says

    10/28/2010 at 5:03 am

    I love that smiling fellow at the bottom. 🙂 Just made my day.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      10/28/2010 at 7:52 am

      Happy to hear it Lizzy!

      Reply
  6. Brett says

    10/28/2010 at 9:37 am

    The guy in the last photo is indeed a happy chap. but the guy in the second to last photo looks like he’s about to lamp you!

    Reply

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