Sunday 5 March 2017

Day 64, 5 Mar 2017: Go local...

Day 64: ...for a plum day out

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. 

Some youngsters reminding me to get my tai chi back on

What we're here for 

festival balloons of course 

Playing the 'biwa'

Another branch

biwa detail

All angles

A bit pinker than most

And the fishing went on regardless

Nor were the ducks perturbed

Liking my reflection

More reflecting

A touch of sun

Branch buddies

All in a row

Almost full

Trio

More buds

The 'street dancers'

Part of the Daito Bunka University a cappella group

Crowded branch

Potted colour

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]