Festival time

It was a busy few days late last week. Junko's sister came up from Tokyo to visit and we had our two-day festival downtown. On both days I walked alongside our neighbourhood dancers and float playing the bamboo flute with the rest of my "team" for the crowds of people to watch. It was a lot of walking, and my ombasure certainly improved during that time. Conan even got in on the act, first by walking around town carrying his recorder as to look like "papa" and then walking in the childen's parade on the second day.

For Leif, we decided a few months ago to enter him in a special festival open only to young babies aged six to eighteen months. Called "Nakizumo", or "cry sumo" it's held at a famous shrine in our prefecture and despite it's name is quite a fun event for all concerned. Basically, after parading into the grounds with their mothers, the babies face off two at a time being held by shrine staff in a sumo ring. While many babies do "cry" it is mostly due to being held by a stranger. All in all, a cute and harmless bit of culture. Leif suffered no ill effects for his experience, earned a "tie" in his match and got a nice "hapi" coat and other gifts for the experience. Afterwards, we spent the night at on onsen hotel for a nice dinner and relaxing bath.

Leif and Mama before the sumo contest

The contestants pose for the official photo after the event

A relaxing dinner after a long day