そがどんの傘焼き

Soga Don No Kasayaki, or umbrella burning festival ~ just down the river from our house last weekend -

夏至 or げし

June 21 was the summer solstice, and kagoshima (and I!!!) welcomed it fully. The rain stopped after going for about 2 weeks straight and there was a special concert at the park held to celebrate! Supposedly, they're held all over japan for げし, the first day of summer. I loved the evening heat and really peaceful atmosphere.. . japan I'm going to miss you.

It's still sunny today, and I am hoping it will hold up as longs as possible. . . or at least until the tomorrow so we can go the beach!

dreamcatcher

almost exactly a month ago, before this miserable rainy season began, there was some amazing weather. we went to what is officially called, a "peace gathering," up in the mountains with some friends.  It was like a miniature festival, the kind that can only exist in Japan.  We met some interesting folks, listened to music, saw loads of teepees, ate good curry, bought some tibetan jewelry, and . . . sunbathed !

おはら

ohara matsuri last week brought giant crowds to our downtown tenmonkan area.   The trams were stopped (besides the one lit up tram advertising the festival seen here) and we walked out in the streets!
but we beat most of the festival's crowds by going the night before the big day for dance practices and the opening ceremonies.  complete with bored traffic guards and colorful character lollies, there was much to see...