Everywhere: People: Matt Herold

Natsu Matsuri

Photo Essay written 31 May 2008

A few things to look forward to at a typical Summer Festival in Japan

So! Much! Cute! uploaded on 31 May 2008

A vendor at a “Lucky Chance” game stall peaks out from behind a wall of cute, a safe vantage point for avoiding the hypnotic gaze of numerous nuigurumi (stuffed animals).

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The Blossom of a “Fire Flower” uploaded on 31 May 2008

Fireworks are another big part of summers in Japan and nearly every city has its own display.
Called Hanabi, or “fire flower”, the fireworks range from modest to massive and, like summer, they only last a little while. So grab a beer and some meat on a stick, find a choice spot to sit and join in with the crowd as they “ooh” and “ahh” and exclaim “sugoi!”(wonderful!).

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Taiko Drumming uploaded on 31 May 2008

Locals wearing traditional clothing drum and sing on a float at the Natsu Matsuri of a small shrine in Osaka.

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Goldfish Scooping uploaded on 31 May 2008

Japanese festivals also have an array of carnival games.
Here, a child prepares to play Kingyo-sukui, or “goldfish scooping”. In his hand is a poi, which is an easily-torn paper net that he’ll use to scoop goldfish into a bowl. Any fish he successfully scoops, he gets to keep. Once the net is completely torn, the game is over.
Other items that can be scooped up with a poi at a summer festival include floating toys, bouncy balls, small turtles and even baby chickens.
Yeah, I'm still trying to figure out that last one.

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Kansai Summer Festivals

Photo Essay written 30 May 2008

A look at some of the more popular summer festivals around Osaka, Japan.

Daimonji Bonfire uploaded on 28 May 2008

The first and most famous of the Kyoto bonfires is Daimonji, which is the Chinese character for “big”. It is lit high up on the slopes of Mount Daimonji on the east side of town, above Ginkaku-ji Temple. Other fires are Toriigata (a Shinto gate meaning “life”), Myō/Hō (Buddhist law), Funagata (a ship), and Hidari Daimonji (the left Daimonji fire).

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Chicken and Mice uploaded on 28 May 2008

The costume of choice for summer festivals is the yukata, which is basically a cotton bathrobe that resembles a lightweight kimono. The yukata was the inspiration for the Hawaiian aloha shirt, which was invented by a Japanese man in 1933.
In Japan, even Colonel Sanders and Minnie Mouse join in the festivities!