Summer Breeze

The 2009 summer is coming to an end. It's strange for me to think that since it seems like summer just started yesterday. With that in mind, I'd like to have one last beach dream and talk about, well, the beach.


It's well known that Taiza is the place to be for crabs during the eating season but I find the beaches to be fairly amazing too. Living on the coast certainly give you an advantage. If I had to talk about all the great beaches in the area this post would go on forever so I'll talk about this one beach I like to go to.

I find Taiza's beach to be amazing not just because it's a beach but because of how beautiful the water is. Where I lived in America (Philadelphia) the water was always a murky brown but here, ah, here the water is crystal clear. I can see to the bottom for at least a couple feet, if you don't believe me take a look yourself:

While this picture doesn't show the water perfectly it is surprising to see the bottom of the water from so far away. Also, you can see something else that I like at this beach - the rock formations. Yes, the picture doesn't show how tall those cliffs actually are but they are amazing. I loved standing right at the base and looking straight up. It's reminiscent of the buildings in New York. I also found the rocks at the base to be rather interesting too.

In the rocks are these small holes. I honestly don't know what lives inside of them, possibly hermit crabs but I've always like them. They remind me of the movies where they show people either in the far past or the far future living in caves. It's a tiny civilization. I'm getting off topic...

In the far distance you can see a large rock formation. Due to the sun setting you can't make out the features too well but one is able to climb this formation. You can get there by swimming or by taking a nice stroll on the land that connects to it. This rock gives a great view of the area. I also like that it has a cave in it. Again, it's something I'd like to investigate but I'd rather not, at least, not in just a bathing suit.


So now, as all stories go, we are at the end. The summer winds are blowing to the south and the air is getting a bit colder every day. While the warm weather leaves us for another year I can at least look at these pictures, think of the fond memories and await for the warm tide to return.

-Rob R.

Celebrate Good Times, C'mon!

Ah Summertime. For many people summertime means swimming, vacation and enjoying air conditioning but for those living in Japan it also signals the start of many festivals (and bug season).

Matsuri (祭), meaning festival in Japanese, occur through out the year but August seems to be the month with the most celebrations. Taiza recently held a port festival and Mineyama had a festival for one of their shrines. I'm afraid to say I can't remember the shrine's name but it was fun none-the-less.

The reason for each festival is special. It may be for shrines or a national celebration like the Obon Matsuri which celebrates one's ancestors (the Obon festival will happen August 13-15). There are too many things to enjoy at the festivals so I'll try to touch on what seems to be common at most of them.

The Food

When you arrive at the festival your senses are immediately overpowered by the many delicious aromas in the air. On the left is a picture of takoyaki (たこ焼き or 蛸焼). This food is easily summed up as fried dough balls with octopus meat in it.

I know, I know, it doesn't sound that appetizing but trust me, it is! Besides I've seen people eat things which astounds me of it's existence (I'm looking at you deep fried Twinkies).

Another popular food is Okonomiyaki (お 好み焼き) which is, in the simplest of terms, a pancake made with vegetables, meat, fish flakes and any other ingredients the cook might want to add. Again, it sounds a bit much but once you try it, you'll be hooked.

Culture















Being at a matsuri you get to see many beautiful things. One of my favorite is seeing people dress up in traditional kimono. Many women will dress up in either kimono (着物) or Yukata (浴衣) which are lighter versions of kimono. The complexity of such dress is amazing. There is also a lot of amazing history to learn. Depending on what the festival is about you may learn about a shrine, history on the area or something about the culture.

The Games

Usually at a festival there are some fun games to play. In the picture on the left it's pachinko (パチンコ). Normally the machines are much bigger but these table top versions are good for kids. Other games include goldfish/turtle scooping or tossing games.

If you're unlucky at winning they also have toy booths. You can buy any number of things ranging from key chains and cell phone charms to models and cap guns. I just stuck with buying food since that's something you always win with.


Fireworks
Ah yes, fireworks. What would a matsuri be without fireworks? It would be like a cookout with no hot dogs... no fun. The picture on the left is a set of fireworks my friends and I received for buying cell phones. Thankfully they were put to good use at the last festival in Mineyama.

Coming from America I have a rather high standard for fireworks. Where I lived most big fireworks weren't for sale so it's amazing to me the multitude and variety they sell here. It astounds me that more accidents don't happen but I guess if you're raised with it always around then you learn to respect it.
I also really enjoy the shows here in Japan. The public show starts off with one or two fireworks just to draw your attention. Then they start releasing more with unique patterns. Towards the end it starts to get crazy. Again, I've seen good shows in the States but what happens here is ridiculous. So many fireworks go off that it gets hard to see through all the smoke. They get louder and louder until you are able to just feel your flesh ripple. After it's all over your ears are ringing slightly and you have slight difficulty seeing but hey, that's what it's all about right?

I honestly can't stress how amazing the Matsuri are. If you think by going to one you've gone to them all you're wrong. I've seen many variations each with something interesting - like candles floating in boats on the lake (very beautiful at night). If visiting in August keep your eyes open. If you don't see any celebration you may at least be able to hear the fireworks.

-Rob