Tosa's Summer Festivals

IKonichiwa and hello!

Its sometime in the end of November and seeing the Holidays just around the corner I thought it good time to go back and put post the summer's missed pictures. Most of these are from the the August break, which for half the time I went cycling around the island of Kyushu for a bit of wet fun and exercise. Looking back, the days were so hot compared to this oncoming winter. Back then, I would wake up and sweat a little inside my tent once the Sun reached out over the synthetic rainproof fabric. Now, I imagine, I would want to stay inside those yellow flaps and wait out the day's warmth a bit later than 6:00 am. Anyways, I won't do much explaining here, the photos are just a little eye candy and a peek into the array of festivals that happen during Summer in southern small towns, Japan.

Undoubtedly the biggest festival by number of people attended that month was this one. This summer celebration came in full force with music, food, fireworks, and a huge ceremonial dance competition. On the main stage before you is where scores of groups come and unify in synchronized movements to taiko drum beats and traditional music to compete for best choreography and entertainment. All in all, the competition starts in the morning with the young children's division and continues on all through the evening. Not that there are not some children in the later sets too. As per usual, the most famous teems are scheduled at the end of the night, which is fine because in Japan, you can drink in the streets. Basically, have a friend save you a "spot" while a beer run to the corner store happens, and smooth right back into the show.  

While cycling around the island of Kyushu, I found myself in Amakusa with my friend Yoshi and another friend Konosuke. I was only with them for one night since I had to keep moving, yet one night was all I needed. And as it happens, a festival was to ocupy the streets that night with Konosuke's mother in full spirits (pictured here). Spectators are welcome to join the dancing =)

A float from the festival night in Amakusa.

Back in Kochi city, the festival continued way into the night. This is one of the more popular dancing groups. My friends tell me this team wins every year, and so they did in tonight's competition as well.

Although the big stage at the heart of the city drew many of the families and visitors attention and cameras, there were many many other events and smaller parades throughout the night. I don't know how anyone got around in a car that night, impossible. 

So used to American parades and outfits and music, I am sure that many of the local spectators here felt like they've seen it all before, but I enjoyed the fresh take on collective conviviality. 

Back at home, literally from my balcony, the town residents celebrated every weekend, sometimes in the middle of the week as well during August. I was delighted to see so many of my students elegantly marching past, enthusiastically smiling and not just wondering "how much farther?" 

More parades and proud parents on a different day. This parade was small, and indeed was short as well. So much so that when I left my third floor apartment after snapping this shot, the parade line was all but over and the back up of cars eager to begin driving freely again.

Without a doubt, the most popular festival of the year in Tosa City is tonight. For some reason (that I could never get a straight answer for despite my casual questioning) the lost sport of tug-a-war is the defining festival of our little town here. Apparently the challenge goes back a long, long time and many generations. The modern embodiment of this tradition entices and enlists people of all ages to dry off their hands and grab some twined rope. I saw groups made up of both sexes, young adults, and even an over-forty challenge tug against each other. The photo here however is obviously not between groups of locals but a race to determine just which group could pull a full length tour bus 100 meters the fastest. 

All through the day and along the main street, this long braided rope lined the walkway. Its sheer length and untouched look about it teased me, stating that something big was going to go down later. Until then, you'll just have to daydream.

Finnally, after all the carnival games had been won, and the last group had pulled the worn bus across the last 100 meter stretch, it was time for half of all the participants to align on one side of the rope, and the other along the opposing side. A line was drawn in the middle pavement. Then, slowly, everyone began to pick of the massive white rope that had been rolled out into the middle of the street moments before. The rope itself so large that people had trouble holding it up, much less getting a good grip under their arm and give it a good pull. The "war", in this way, was extremely comical and the crowd couldn't help but to arbitrarily cheer on the efforts of the soldiers. 

Then for some reason the men lost their shirts and had water sprayed on them. 

Of course, my summer time was not all beer in the street walking, tug-of-waring, and sleeping until noon, I also took in a couple of shows. I feel that people look at me and wouldn't guess classical music. Maybe its the goatee, I don't know. In any case, classical music rings my triangle bell. Sure. What draws me to classical section is the teamwork. I hear a good classical score like I see well preforming sports team. At its basic, there is individual effort, everyone has a part to play and success is found when everyone does the job that the instructor expects from them. Some people are the wide receivers going for the touchdown, others play the oboe. Doesn't matter. The pleasantries of a successful performance relies on teamwork. And if you think classical music is not contemporary or relevant in the way sports can be, I challenge you to listen to a little Symphony No. 5 in C Minor during those last couple laps around the track, or turn up Carmina Burana: O Fortuna during your next set. But I mean, really turn up it up; listen for those subtle strings, set your speakers or earphones to "rock show." For me, that song that gets me up the mountain is, fittingly,  In the Hall of the Mountain King. Everyone I hear it's anthem, it's a sprint fest on my bike. And Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G is purely orgasmic. Enjoy.

Right, that's all for now my friends. That the Holidays are upon us, I thank you and wish you all happy celebrations. You know I would be there with you if I could.

Love,
-A