Super Dry Task Force

The title does not refer to Asahi’s wonderfully refreshing biru (beer). Instead it represents the strangely humorous incident that just occurred merely moments ago.
Sitting here at my desk, a group of sensei (teachers) in the office began to mutter to one other. Within seconds they propped themselves out of their seats and hurried out of the office. I’m thinking, “Should I go with them?” Of course I should; so I did. Apparently, the windows in the hallway leading to the gymnasium were left open. Usually this wouldn’t pose a problem...but when it’s pouring rain 10 minutes prior to a student assembly, it’s a CATASTROPHE. These dedicated volunteers were concerned that their students would have to walk on a wet floor.
Upon arriving at the scene, I had to stop for a second and just laugh at what I saw. A handful of teachers in shirts and ties were squatting over the floor “waxing on, and waxing off” with their various rags and towels. Each minute a new volunteer would rush into the hallway with buckets and more drying devices in the forms of blankets and towels. They took the blankets and threw them on the floor so students wouldn’t get their indoor shoes wet thereby sacrificing the integrity of the floor.
Would this have happened in America? Nope. There would be one poor teacher concerned and trying to help, while others complain how ‘that’s the custodian’s job,” or “who cares.” It’s a team effort over here, and I like it. It’s a good feeling knowing you aren’t alone in your cause.
We mopped up pretty well, and I followed a group of little gents traveling back to the office. Words cannot describe how funny it is to see a group of five foot six Japanese businessmen march in the halls while their sneakers squeak to the heavens above. Remember, the Japanese adorn separate shoes indoors. This means, that you will often spy a man in a full suit wearing white tennis sneakers or even better: fluffy slippers!
When we all returned to the office, one of the English teachers pointed at me and said, “recruit.” This signified that I had volunteered my lazy American behind for the cause. Another teacher tried on his English and spattered, “Dry towels.” I smiled and at him and said “ahhh very good Eigo (English).”
The volunteers were exhausted and sweaty so they of course had to run to the sink area and make some tea! Let me just say that from what I’ve seen, Japanese teachers work very hard. However, I along with a few JETs feel that they don’t need to be staying until 7:00pm every day. The reason they remain at work until sundown is because every 10 minutes it’s time for tea, a quick nap at your desk, or a humorous 30-minute chat. I must learn to speak Japanese in order to partake in these ‘hilarious’ chats. I swear the Japanese laugh more at work than Americans do at a comedy club. No wonder they work so hard; they enjoy their day!
I hope you enjoyed yours!

Tachi-Nebuta Episode 3

Tachi-Nebuta, as oppposed to Aomori-Nebuta, seemed to be more about the party than the floats. Which of course equated to a funtastic time!

Asahi Super-Dry is Super-Good.

.

Sebastian with his trademark COLOSSAL sized drink.

.

Catherine and Melanie enjoying the festivities.

.

but....no one, and I mean no one, enjoyed the festival like this guy.

Tachi-Nebuta Episode 2

Given the smaller size of the festival, the Tachi-Nebuta parade featured more local groups and eccentic local volunteers.

It wouldn`t be Nebuta without the big taiko drum!

.

Youthful musicians strut their stuff, as a glow-in-the-dark official watches over.

.

That`s one way to travel.

.

"It`s a bird!"

"It`s a plane!"

Nope, it`s "Ridiculous Bug Man"

Tachi-Nebuta Episode 1

Is there something behind me?

.

Goshogawara (yeah, it`s hard to pronounce), a small town an hour west of Aomori-Shi, plays host to a unique nebuta festival. Tachi-Nebuta boasts a handful of six-story plus floats. Goshogawara even has a museum that displays the awe-inspiring creations year-round.

Each year they retire one of the `big guys.`

.

I hope this year it`s this scary fella.

.

"Fee! Fi! Fo! Fum! "

Fireworks Finale

To conclude the epic Aomori-Nebuta, the floats are set on boats that pass by the ocean harbor with the night ending with a flurry of fireworks. I would have captured more photos if it wasn`t for the extremely high crap factor of my camera. Apologies!

A float on display in its storage tent near the harbor.

.

Mr. Awesome, Karen, and Bec taking a break from the festival goodies to strike a pose.

.

The crowd has gathered.

.

Post-game drinking participants: Helen, Bec, Canadian Steve, Michelle, and Dominic.

Chicken Power

"Why did the chicken taste so good?"
.

"CAUSE IT WAS FRIED!"

.


Behold the power of Japanese festival-style fried chicken. It`s so scrumptious that I had to dedicate this entire post to its magnificence!


.



Tastes like chicken.


.

They just love watching a predator devour his prey.

.

Special thanks to Bec for providing this monumental morsel.

Aomori-Nebuta Episode 4

I never pass up multi-colored ice cream for ￥100 ($1). Then again it hasn`t happened before.

.

It`s not always about the fighting; there`s nature too.

.

"..and another one."

- Notorious B.I.G.

.

Truly a beautiful sight! Come and visit me next August and behold the spectacle that is Aomori-Nebuta.

Aomori-Nebuta Episode 3

Each float is accompanied by its own group of dancers...and DRUMMERS!

.

There are dozens of floats. Throughout the week-long festival they rotate floats to provide a unique experience each night.

.

Lions, and tigers, and samurai.

.

This float promotes Tokyo`s bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Aomori-Nebuta Episode 2

Even Japan can`t escape a corporate invasion.

.

The floats are highly detailed, and can take up to a year to construct.

.

Festival food is fun, even though you may not know what you`re putting in your mouth.

.

It`s hard to imagine that the floats are made of paper.

Aomori-Nebuta Episode 1

"And we'll all float on, ok"

- Modest Mouse

.

Wednesday, August 6th 2008

I was lucky enough to arrive in Aomori-shi on the final day of the Aomori-Nebuta parade. It`s touted as one of Japan`s biggest festivals, and the thousands of spectators lining the streets asserted that notion. Having just arrived I was still pleasantly shocked to find myself as only one among two `white people` at the festival. Awesome!

.

Nebuta floats are pushed and carried by dozens of volunteers. Using one central wheel, float transporters often spin the dazzling float in circles.

.

Local students perform their instruments.

.

Many of the floats feature Japanese mythological figures and tell a story.

.

The floats are stored in giant tents near the bay harbor.