Asakusa Samba Carnival

This is the most, most interesting event in Tokyo. Samba dancers and masks walk along two streets in Asakusa district. It takes around 6 hours for 30 samba schools to walk by. I usually go to see this event.


Image: Samba parade in Asakusa


Image: Samba parade in Asakusa

This year it started to rain in the middle of the parade. I thought that parade is over with the rain, but to my surprise next samba school was coming out of the corner, like nothing has happened. It was not light drizzle, but really heavy rain. As you can hear in video, even speakers in the truck have electrical short-circuits. Despite of the rain, samba dancers were walking and giving sunny smiles for us - people standing with umbrellas on the street side. I can only adore those dancers for their passion and love for samba dance.

Not everything is on video, because I was trying clap and wave. Still some moments I captured for you.

Video: Samba Carnival - some video impressions

Azabujuban matsuri

Pretty interesting matsuri (summer festival) in Azabu juban and Roppongi area of Tokyo. People in video dance Japanese traditional dance - bon dance. It was raining almost all day, but this place was under roof.


Video: outdoor stores selling food and bon dancing near Roppongi Hills

The cloth dancers are wearing is not kimono. It is called yukata and direct translation from Japanese means bathing cloth. Yukata is also weared after taking bath or hot spring (onsen), but these yukata, dancers wear, are more colorful and used for going out.


Image: Bon dancers dance around stage


Image: all generations enjoy matsuri

Here I wrote more about Roppongi Hills.

Saint Patricks Day

This is Saint Patricks Day in Yokohama, Motomachi. Motomachi is cosy shopping district, which is built in Western style. They also sell many foreign things like cakes, chocolates etc.

Parade was small, but good quality. They had everything - dancers, brass band, acrobats, scouts, dogs etc. Parade went both ways on the street, so brass band is included twice (They are US Army Band).

I received booklet which explains in English and Japanese that on St. Patricks day (March 17th) people honor most important legends in Ireland - St.Patrick. He is guarding saint of Ireland. During 4th to 5th centuries St. Patrick spreaded, Christianity in Ireland. This day is national holiday in Ireland and is also celebrated in America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

StPatrick day parade
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Video: something from parade. Not everything I was able to capture.


Image: Everyone likes balloon girls


Image: Motomachi street were full of people

Yokohama Oktoberfest 2007

Pretty good event in Yokohama. I was there!

Yokohamaokroberfest2007
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Video: joyfull song. Caution about high video volume

I don't know foreigner who is dancing there. He got pretty much attention, but its all part of fun.

Update: Now (2009) there is 200 yen entrace fee, but junior high school students get in for free!