Kite Festival

Here are some shots from the Hamamatsu Kite Festival a few weeks ago. I don't have much to tell about the festival or it's history. The name pretty much says it all :P What I do know is that there are something like 170 teams from all over the city, and each constructs a kite, which they spend all day trying to fly. I'm sure there is way more to it than that, because everything the Japanese do has some sort of historical or religious significance. Please use your imaginations!

We got there sort of late in the day, and most of the wind had died down, so the teams were all just struggling to keep their kites up in the air and not having much luck with it.

Skyfull o' Kites

One thing I love most about Japanese festivals is seeing everyone all dolled up. There is a special matsuri outfit that many people own, and the young women usually get their hair up in all these crazy 'dos. It's really fun to see!

Team Pinku!

Even the little kids have special matsuri outfits! Too cute!

Working really hard to get the kite up.

The team celebration at the end of the day.

Me and Naomi in front of a resting kite.

After a successful day of flying, the teams pack up the kite and then go get drunk. Drinking is an essential part of any matsuri!

The second after I shot this picture, her scowl turned to a huge smile as she called Irrashaimase! and invited me to play the game.

My favorite picture of the day.

They're still trying! One of the last teams to give up and call it a day.