Japan is known for its festivals. Many of them are rather famous internationally. And yet, on any given weekend anywhere, in any neighbourhood, you are just as likely to find a festival of sorts going on. This weekend, one of the local parks celebrated its plum blossoms...
These small local events are usually put on by the local merchants, overseen by a steering committee and usually includes various artists and groups from the area.
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| Some youngsters reminding me to get my tai chi back on |
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| What we're here for |
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| festival balloons of course |
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| Playing the 'biwa' |
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| Another branch |
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| biwa detail |
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| All angles |
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| A bit pinker than most |
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| And the fishing went on regardless |
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| Nor were the ducks perturbed |
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| Liking my reflection |
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| More reflecting |
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| A touch of sun |
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| Branch buddies |
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| All in a row |
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| Almost full |
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| Trio |
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| More buds |
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| The 'street dancers' |
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| Part of the Daito Bunka University a cappella group |
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| Crowded branch |
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| Potted colour |
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| Painting the sky |
I do like the way the arrival of spring is celebrated here, most people buying a little something from one of the food stalls and sit under the trees to eat (and perhaps, drink). I went to see a few of the performances, one including a group of a cappella singers from one of my former universities and an unexpected group of primary schools 'street dancers' dance-rapping to lyrics that, let's just say, I don't think they would have understood...
I also liked the way the fellas who probably fish in the pond regularly, just fished in the pond like nothing was going on...
Spring has sprung. Plenty more to follow this little festival.
[Camera : Canon EOS 60D, 24-105mm, 70-300mm, 11.08am-1.36pm; 5 March 2017]
