Festivals Around The Corner

Summer months always garner various celebrations in Japan; with parades, fireworks and crowds taking over the streets throughout the country. It became popular in the Edo period (1603-1868) as events to relieve summer fatigue. Another way to relieve summer fatigue is by eating unagi (eel), I was told.

One more widely known and celebrated even in Malaysia during the summer months is the Bon Odori festival. Essential elements of festivals today are Bon dancing, food stalls, and fireworks. People gather in their local communities and enjoy Bon dancing to rhythmic music.

Bon Odori is a Japanese Buddhist custom which is held annually to honour the deceased spirits of one's ancestors. It is meant to be a joyful celebration, bringing families together and celebrating rather than mourning the lives of the dearly departed. Though in Malaysia, the celebration is more geared toward celebrating the Japanese culture rather than Buddhism.

There is a Bon Odori festival around the corner and anyone who is interested can check the festival which will be held on July 17, 2010 at Panasonic Sports Complex, Persiaran Perkilangan Seksyen 21, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor. Admisssion is free. No cosplaying at the festival, please!

There is a yukata fair in Mid Valley's Jusco until July 4th. It's been ongoing since June 22nd but I only went to check it out on Friday. Nothing that catch my fancy although the yukata prices were affordable because I didn't like the material much.

I think it would be fun wearing a yukata while joining the local crowd at the festival.

Talking about festivals, planning our September itinerary, we had initially wanted to visit Kakunodate's festival which will be held from September 7 - 9th, after spending a night at Tsurunoyu Onsen. I got really intrigued by the festival and really look forward to watch the the 'Yama Buttuke'. Floats violently collide with each other in a kind of competition. Not too sure whether it'll be safe or not to be near those float but I sure want to be there!

Alas, we had to postpone our trip by a week so we'll have to miss the festival! Pity, eh?

There is also one festival Raimie would love to attend but has to miss out (yet again)... and that's the Ultraman Festival (Ulfes).  Ulfes 2010 will be held from July 23rd to August 29th this year and is returning back to Ikebukuro.