Monday, August 22, 2005

Awa Odori in Susono

Summer in Japan is synonymous with outdoor festivals, where people gather to watch dances or other events, eat snacks such as tako-yaki from the food stands, and drink a beer with friends.

On Saturday, our own little town had its summer festival - the Awa Odori. This is a dance that is native to Tokushima prefecture but was brought to Susono years ago (more information on the Awa Odori can be found here).

Brian and I went to the festival and spent several hours walking around, drinking beer and watching the dancers.

A dancer in Susono, before the sun set.


More Awa-odori performers - between dances.


A tako-yaki (grilled octopus) stand - these and other snacks are an integral part of any summer festival.


Another food stand - this one is selling yaki-tori (grilled chicken kebabs) and other treats.


Notice the pachinko parlor in the background.


This picture shows just how crowded our very small city can actually be.

2 comments:

Internet Street Philosopher said...

OK, the server is up and running now.

bernicky said...

Nice photos as always.