Summer Festival

August 22 2009 - Well, as the rice starts to mature, it is time for the Misawa Summer Festival! I think this is also supposed to be the harvest celebration. Though the rice hasn't reached it's full maturity yet. I have heard through a friend (who understands Japanese) that the harvest of rice may not be that plentiful, as it has been too rainy and not enough sun to encourage the grains. Other crops seem to be bountiful. But that is to my untrained (and never seen farming up this close) eye.

We started out at the main stage. Known as American Park, as it is right outside the main gate. The dances seemed reminiscent of what one would see in Hawaii and other Pacific Islands (yes I know Japan is an island in the Pacific) But the story telling with the hands and dance.....one more thing that transcends through most countries (Middle East, Islands, even the Native American Indians). Can't help but notice that white America doesn't seem to have this traditional story telling. (my husband says "pole dancing doesn't count")

Above:one would think that this tired little girl must be at the end of a long day. Oh wait! We've been here for all of 30 minutes....I think the music was making her tired.

Above: Could this be another branch of Torgersens? (those from this branch of family will understand....I hope)

Below: Some of the traditional dress seen throughout the afternoon.

Above: A dance/storytelling of the harvest.

The descriptions of all the dances were done in Japanese. A few words I can catch here and there, but not enough to make sense of things at the moment. Maybe next year I can give a detailed story (my I'm optimistic today..)

Above: The Japanese Self Defense Force Marching Band, to start off the parade. There were three different Parades. The previous evening was the float parade. Today's was the Costume Parade, followed by the Mikoshi Parade. Not sure why the costume parade, other than a chance for folks to dress up in outlandish characters and have a VERY good time.

Above: One of the local Japanese pre-shools performs as well. Let me tell you those little drummers were right on beat (with the drums) Not a miscue of music out of them. Very impressive.

Below: Another preschool group performing a traditional dance. This young lady was very happy to be in the parade. The boys looked less than enthused about being there.

Above: Of course, the spectators are always fun to watch as well. The ladies in costume must have performed or were getting ready to perform down at the stage.

Below: Ahhhh, a Sumo in the making. The aprons all had amine characters displayed, and needless to say the back of the outfit was in traditional Sumo style. I have another picture of full view, but decided to be a little conservative.

Above: more spectators.

Below: There were about 15 women in this company. Do a dance, all dressed as sea captains. Not sure why...or what group...I imagine they must be some sort of ladies auxiliary.

Above: More characters. That's all I can tell you..

Below: Some of the parade spectators are quiet into the process. I turned around from where I had been watching and found this set up. I'm guessing there is no problem with open containers in this city. (Asahi is a local beer)

Above: Who said Micheal Jackson is dead? I was kind of disappointed to not see Elvis....it would have explained so much.

After the Costume Parade it was time for Shane and Andi to get ready for the Mikoshi Parade. They had signed up to help carry the float for the Misawa International Association (that's where I go to take my language classes)

The Mikoshi Parade is the carrying of portable Shrines. The shrines are very heavy and require a small army to carry them.

Above: Andi and Shane dressed in their outfits. Andi was rather nervous about the prospect...but was game to give it a try.



Below: How to start a Japanese BBQ

Above: A float from the night before on one of the side streets.


Below: I went out to the parade route to watch the procession. I told Andi that if she was to nervous she could drop out. She'd be able to find me easily enough....I had worn a bright red t-shirt...plus I am a bit taller than the locals around me.

She looks unhappy...she is. But said she was still going to go.

Above: Well, there she goes.....oh wait, seconds after taking this photo, she is running back to me with tears running down her face. She opted out. Though she still wanted to march with dad. So instead of staying and watching the rest of the floats, we walked down the street a ways.


Below: And yes, like most little girls with tears in their eyes, she got an ice cream cone. Well, it's not really ice cream....not ice milk either. I would say it is more of an Italian Ice. Like the type I used to get as a kid outside of Philly. It was a beautiful creation. Looked like a flower when all put together.

Now there's a happy face!

Some of the drummers that were at the beginning of the Mikoshi Parade. The floats take awhile to get down the street due to their weight. The crews have to take lots of breaks. The group carrying the Int'l assoc float actually had enough for 2 crews...but the process of switching out still took a bit of coordination and time.

One of the other floats. This and the Int'l Assoc are the only floats I saw, due to our nervous breakdown. But that's ok....gives me something to look forward to for next year.

Above: I think I know that guy!

Evening sets in. This is actually a late afternoon, evening festival. Which is nice, as the weather is just right at this time of day.

Below: A video clip of the Int'l Assoc carrying the float. Yes, Shane was a bit tired at the end of it all. Remember, they had two crews to carry the float. Most of the floats were just one crew.

Below: The drummers at the start of the Mikoshi parade.