Saturday was the Atsugi Base Bon Odori Festival. The festival went on all day with bands (for example, a Japanese Led Zepplin tribute band) and the Japanese portion of the festival started around 5 pm. I waited til then to go because it was so bloody hot all day that it is pretty unbearable until the sun goes down. This is Lauren, Catherine and myself.The festival started with a Yokohama high school taiko drum group and an intro from the base CO (his Japanese left something to be desired, sorry sir). Then the Bon Odori dancing began! Here's a video of the American group doing one of their dances. They have been practicing for two months now. I think next summer I am going to do it as well. It's a lot of work and an expensive yukata (cotton, summer kimono) but it will be a neat experience I think.
The stage they made for the dancers looked awesome once the sun set and the lights came on. Whoever organized the festival did a great job. I heard from many of my students that they had a good time. For events like this, they gates are opened so that anyone can come on base (albeit in a restricted area with guards cutting off all the streets that are inaccessible). It's a good friendship opportunity for military in Japan. The only thing that would have made it better is fireworks. What kind of festival doesn't have fireworks?
Our XO's wife danced in the festival this year. Here she is with her senseis.
Most of the children around here dressed up in their yukata as well. Pretty darn cute.
Especially baby C.
I also enjoyed that fact that because it was on base you could bring any food or drinks that you wanted. Hello chu-his and wine! It just had to be in a non-glass container. How cute are these plastic wine glasses of Heather's? I need to get some of my own! I can tell she is from Florida and goes to the beach a lot.
I'm excited for next years! It's just too bad Obon week falls during August when the guys are gone. Another thing to add to the list that they miss. I guess that's what pictures are for. We're now talking less days than the date of my birthday that Glenn comes home! Getting so anxious! Why are the last weeks the hardest?
Our XO's wife danced in the festival this year. Here she is with her senseis.
Most of the children around here dressed up in their yukata as well. Pretty darn cute.
Especially baby C.
I also enjoyed that fact that because it was on base you could bring any food or drinks that you wanted. Hello chu-his and wine! It just had to be in a non-glass container. How cute are these plastic wine glasses of Heather's? I need to get some of my own! I can tell she is from Florida and goes to the beach a lot.
I'm excited for next years! It's just too bad Obon week falls during August when the guys are gone. Another thing to add to the list that they miss. I guess that's what pictures are for. We're now talking less days than the date of my birthday that Glenn comes home! Getting so anxious! Why are the last weeks the hardest?
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