Natsu Matsuri

SUMMER FESTIVAL of JAPAN

~~ Summer is the season when pestilences, insect damage to crops, and unexpected disasters such as storms and floods are most likely to occur; summer festivals characteristically are held to pray for protection against such calamities. Major summer festivals in Japan include those of Yasaka Jinja (Gion Matsuri), Kitano Jinja, and Iwashimizu Hachimangû.

Date : Saturday, 25 August 2007
Time : 6pm

Venue : The Japanese School (Changi Campus)11 Upper Changi Road North

Transport : Bus 2,5 or Shuttles from Expo/Bedok

Characters :

Sparrow as Baikinman

Beastie as Dokin-chan
Hazi as Shokupanman

A cool summery evening blows a string of grey puffy clouds overhead as the 3 gather to meet at TM-mrt. Timing was more than perfect with Sparrow and Beastie zooming in with equal strides onto Hazi-san, whom as always, was more than punctual. Chattering excitedly, and exchanging bags of yukatas, the 3 frens waited impatiently for Bus 2, eyeing and commenting on the various vividly dressed krs bound for the same destination.

After a squished, slightly sickish ride, they arrived still bouncy and filled with great anticipation only to be met by a long... looooooooong queue.........

Luckily for them Sparrow's sis was oredi in line with her frens, and ticks were bought without any hassel thanks to the kindhearted sister and frens. Many thanks!!

More queueing ensues with the Yukata wearing, coupon buying etc etc.....

But spirits were high, and backs straight (-ened by the nearly too tight Obis)... the 3 weaved thru the crowd for their goldfishes and yo-yos... munching ice-creams, corndogs and marble-btl drinks... Food had to be consumed at a much reduced rate to ensure smooth passage and allow respiration to continue unhindered. Still it was the best fun of times.

Masked on, yo-yos and goldfish in hand, Sparrow, Beastie and Hazi hurried onto the fields where music was playing gaily, and pp were oredi dancing the circle dance around a stage strung with lanterns. Eagerly, they took turns to join in, stopping only to baby-sit the goldies. Spinning, hopping and swaying... circling the stage, revelling in the energy created, under the 2/3moony nite... A nite to enjoy each other's company, 2b silly, and have all the fun in the world!!!!

I love carnivals and fairs and festivals!! And I want my own Yukata!!!!!

TANOSHI-KATA!