July 12, 2010

• July 12, 2010 Yamakasa Practice

  After a day's rest from our adventures in Kagoshima, it was time for Yamakasa in Fukuoka, a race in which various teams from throughout the city race to see who can carry the heavy floats the fastest along a decided tradional route.  They all start out from Kushida Shrine, and times are kept of how fast they can get from the shrine to the goal in another part of the city.  On this day the teams were out practicing in the rain.  The actual race will take place on July 15 before sunup.  Don't be shocked by the uniforms.  This is just traditional Japanese working garb which sometimes makes appearances during festivals and such.

  

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  Water is thrown on the floats and on the teams.

   

  

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  The rope is essential equipment for throwing around the float pole to get a better grip when carrying it.

  

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  Water boys waiting to throw water.

  

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  There are larger floats on display throughout the city.  The traditional floats used to be this size, but they are too big to be carried through a modern city and the electrical wires used in modern times.

  

  This float is outside the theater Hakata-za and depicts some of the actors that have appeared on the stage.

  

  Some of the traditional costumes on sale - hey, these are not cheap!  From about $60 to $75

  

  Here is a big float in the Nakasu Kawabata Shopping Arcade.  This one has a telescoping top and is actually carried on the final day of the festival.

  

  Cute kids posing

  

     

  After all that observation we stop in at a cafe to take a break and fortify ourselves for the trip back home.

  

  This is Kushida Shrine, and the race starts here on July 15th.

  • 09:35
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