July 22, 2012

• July 22, 2012 Kagoshima Ogionsa

  July 22, 2012  Kagoshima Ogionsa

  Ogionsa is a festival associated with the local Yasaka Shrine, and involves the carrying around of several portable shrines by several different groups.

  

  We fortified ourselves with lunch here.  It is near the Yamakataya Bus Center if anyone wants to try it.

  

  There is some preparatory activity going on the other side of the street!  We have staked out a location near the Isero tram stop in downtown Kagoshima.

  

  Horsey, did you "try?"  We'll see you later!

  

  More preparation for the parade

  

  These girls march around selling charms and talismans for a contribution thrown into the containers on their heads.

  

  Here comes a portable shrine!

  

  

  There goes a portable shrine.

  

  

  Next some the pole balancers.

  

  They will be balancing poles on their chins, shoulders, hands and...

  

  Here is the champion!

  

  This is being done with just one thumb!

  

  The parade continues.

  

  Here is a riding band.

  

  

  A fellow on a horse

  

  More preparation across the street

   

  A rice paddle marching band has been imported from Fukuoka's Dontaku Festival.

  

   Pulling Princesses?

  

  

  More musicians

  

  Here are the charm venders from a previous picture.

  

  Arrow bearers - not sure why

  

  Oh no, horsey, don't do it!!  Horsey did, but if I show the pics I will loose my readership.

  

  The fellows immediately behind horsey know enough not to walk through the yellow puddle.

  

  The parade continues.

  

  OOPSIE!!!

  

  Ignorance is not necessarily bliss.

  

  The colorful show must go on!

  

  

  

  

  

  Next is the grownups turn to carry the portable shrines.

  

  

  Another event takes place across the street - lively baby lifting that is supposed to insure good health.

  

  This little one seems to be enjoying it.

  

  This one isn't.

  

  Another portable shrine with passengers

  

  Hmm... I don't think that fellow on the left is drinking tea, and I don't think that fellow with the tape has sore muscles.

  

  A fancy float goes by and the crowds get thicker.

  

  Tattoos are associated with gangsterism, and if painted people want to participate, they are requested to cover their embellishments.

  

  Another shrine goes by, and we have seen about enough.  It was interesting, but it is hot and time to go.

  

  One last picture - This portable shrine is being carried by the employees of Yamakataya, Kagoshima's oldest and most fashionable department store.

  • 03:57
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