Flowers #1
Feb
23
Spring is coming!
Spring is coming!
Konomiya Shrine Hadaka Matsuri
Feb
17
After polite introductions & a discussion about the day`s schedule, we all changed into our loincloths (fundoshi). Then, after some final preparations, & a lot of complaints about the cold, we began a tour of the neighbourhood, while carrying a long piece of bamboo with good-luck messages tied to it. We shouted "Washai! Washai!" which I guess means "Freezing! Freezing!"
We stopped at various houses to drink sake & greet people, then we did something I didn`t expect - we went to an old-people`s nursing home, where the main doors were opened for us, & we went straight into the lobby. Suddenly I was standing half-naked, holding a piece of bamboo, in front of a room crowded full of old people in wheelchairs, all clapping & cooing. It felt pretty strange...! But it made me proud to be a member of my group, & thankful to whoever arranged for us to visit the old-people`s home. They looked happy to see us.
On our 5-hour journey to Konomiya Shrine we also visited a couple of pre-schools. I realized that this festival is not just about irresponsible behaviour, but is also a kind of community bonding activity.
Next year the festival will be held on February 4 - a Saturday - so it will be much bigger than this year.
I`m looking forward to it.
Coin Purse
Feb
16
At Teragoya, we have a lot of gifted students with interesting skills & hobbies.
This is a present I received from a student. It`s a hand-made, cloth coin purse.
Thanks, Makie - nice work!
Konomiya Hadaka Matsuri Ｑｕｉｚ
Feb
11
Do you know it? How well? Let`s find out with this quiz!
1. Although it`s called `Naked Festival`, participants wear:
a) loin cloths (fundoshi)
b) traditional Japanese split-toed footwear (tabi)
c) headbands (hachimaki)
d) all of the above
2. Sake is a big part of the festival. Participants (san`yosha? kanyuusha?) drink it:
a) before the festival
b) during the festival
c) after the festival
d) all of the above
3. Participants arrive at the shrine after walking a few hours from:
a) nearby suburbs
b) suburbs far away
c) they don`t remember
d) any of the above
4. Participants carry:
a) long bundles of bamboo (naoizasa)
b) cartons of sake
c) other participants who can`t walk anymore
d) any of the above
5. To keep warm, participants:
a) scream "Waaah! Sabuiiiii!!"
b) try to keep moving
c) drink sake
d) all of the above
6. If a participant gives you a piece of coloured cloth, you should:
a) wash it
b) wash your hands
c) keep it for good luck
d) all of the above
7. At the climax of the festival, everyone rushes towards:
a) the `Shin-otoko` (a special man chosen by the shrine)
b) the toilets
c) home
d) all of the above
If you`re free on Tuesday, why not take a look? Konomiya Shrine is right beside Meitetsu Konomiya Station.
By the way, d) is the answer to all the questions!
Cool Cars in Ichinomiya #4
Jan
27
It`s a 1989 Nissan Pao. Not many were made, & now they`re kind of collectors items.
I don`t usually take photos of the inside of strangers` cars, but I was so impressed by the retro dashboard design of this car, I couldn`t resist.
I love it!
Australia Day, 2011
Jan
26
From The Morning Post, London, 1 November 1786:
“This thief colony might hereafter become a great empire, whose nobles will probably, like the nobles of Rome, boast of their blood.“
Not a great empire yet maybe, but we are in the finals of the Asian Cup - it`s a start!
Happy Australia Day!
Japanese Brick House
Jan
22
Brick houses are very rare in Japan. One reason is that they can be badly damaged by earthquakes. However, today I saw one being built not far from my home. I was surprised.
I hope it lasts longer than 30 years - the average lifespan of a modern Japanese house.
Snowfall at Iwato Shrine, 16 Jan. 2011
Jan
20
Last year I bought a waterproof camera for the prupose of taking pictures of sea fish when I go snorkelling, but I realised it`s also handy for taking photos in the snow. I don`t have to worry if it gets wet from the snow.
Click on the above picture to enlarge (& click again to enlarge more).
Snowman
Jan
17
In most pictures of snowmen I`ve ever seen, a carrot is used for the nose, so I asked my mother-in-law for one. Unfortunately she only had big ones, so my snowman looks a bit like me (because of the hair too...?)
I want to try making a bigger one, so I hope the snow doesn`t disappear too soon.
Brisbane Flood
Jan
15
The flood was also very severe in places west of Brisbane, like Toowoomba, where it arrived suddenly. Some people have died, but nobody is sure how many yet.
It`s shocking to see familiar views so transformed by flood waters.
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