hanabi=fire flowers

Japan loves fireworks. They've been around here for a long time. We went to a museum a while back that had paintings of fireworks in Tokyo from centuries ago.

Every town has a fireworks festival at some point during the summer. Well, almost every town. Some are dropping it because of how expensive it is. People reserve a spot as early as the day before and show up in their yukatas to meet family and friends and have a little picnic.

We went to the Yachiyo Fireworks on Saturday night with some friends. Mio and I and some of the others we were with wore yukatas. The weather was cool and pleasant. We walked from Mio and Tetsuo's house (she in her geta, me in my tevas). There were loads of people heading in the same direction. Near the river where the fireworks were being shot off were lots and lots of food stands....noodles, squid and other seafood, rice cakes, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakitori, choco bananas, fried chicken, etc. One thing I love about all the festivals is that so many people wear yukata or other traditional clothing, even the young people. Many people talk about how wonderful it is that Japan can be so traditional and so modern at the same time. I love it that wearing yukata is still "cool" and I can't imagine that ever changing.

We sat alongside the river, in nearly the best spot available. Lanterns were sent down the river before the fireworks began, as part of traditional o-bon festivities honoring the dead. The fireworks themselves were so amazing. The hour and a half long show is made up of many sections sponsored by different companies (if I understand correctly), and at the end of each section is a mini-finale. The whole thing is spectacular.

After a great time watching fireworks, we headed back to Mio and Tetsuo's home. On the way home, was a special bonus....we came across a huge rice "vending machine." I could say that we see these all the time and make this area sound really foreign and exotic, but the truth is, this was my first time. Mio and Tetsuo said they've never even bought from one. Maybe they're more popular in the country? Anyway, just the fact that they exist makes me happy. :)