Japan Matsuri 2010
Post categories: Teacher blog
| 20:55 UK time, Monday, 20 September 2010
Well, as promised here is my blog about that I told you about last week. It was a very long, but thoroughly enjoyable day brim full of people and events.
Tomono had been preparing for the event for about 2 weeks. It's her biggest Japanese event of the year and is the highlight of the events calendar. Last year it was absolutely chock-a-block with people. In fact, you could say people were packed in like sardines, but I don't think anyway minded too much - they were too busy having a great time.
Here is the official video of last year's matsuri:
This year's matsuri was even bigger and better. It was twice the size and there were so many more events, performances and stalls selling all sorts of yummy Japanese food and gorgeous Japanese crafts. From vegetables and herbs like and , through to traditional cookware and stunning kimono.
We arrived about an hour before the event started to get Tomono's stall ready. She had been preparing for the event for a couple of weeks so had arranged everything carefully so we could easily set up the display. We did have one heart sinking moment though when we realised we had forgotten our folding chairs - we had no where to park our bottoms! And after standing up for a few hours you always need to take a break and put your feet up, don't you? Anyway, luckily someone was kind enough to lend us a chair. !
Not before long lots of activities and performances started. There were demonstrations of kendo, judo and other Japanese martial arts. I used to be a dab hand at karate when I was younger and watching those guys has inspired me to look into taking it up again.
The highlight of the event for me (and lots of other) was the Taiko drumming performances. I simply love the sound they make and the sheer dedication of the performers to always give their best. I'll tell you what it takes more than a little to play those huge drums.
Oscar had a great time too. He loves tucking into tasty Japanese food (especially the snacks on his mummy's stall) and jigging away to the musical performances. It was so wonderful to see him having a whale of a time.
So here are a few more photos and videos of Japan Matsuri, and who knows maybe we'll see you there next year!
Best,
Lewis
Useful phrases:
(to be) brim full of something
(to be) chock-a-block
(to be) packed in like sardines
a heart sinking moment
(to) park your bottom
(to) put your feet up
(to be) a dab hand at something
(to) take something up
(to) give your best
elbow grease
(to) jig away (to music)
(to) have a whale of a time
Comment number 1.
At 21st Sep 2010, Pary wrote:Hi Lewis , Thank you for your last enrty . It was all nice to hear about Tomono 's most important Japanese event and to learn new phrases !
I think in some of the shots I can spot dear Tomon's stall and my Goddness how much Oscar has changed in a year ! He is a big Boy , now! I can't wait to read your next Blog ….
cheers
Pary ( From Iran )
Complain about this comment (Comment number 1)
Comment number 2.
At 21st Sep 2010, bbllmm wrote:Hi Lewis! Your blogs - and how I see it the life too - are very interesting and full of events. Though, I am some decades older than you are I have to confess it was hard for me not just to find a clewer title but to formulate some sentences to the previous issue. Thanks for the photos today. Luckily, your day was a succes despite that desperate moment. It makes the impression the place was crowded like a bit of Japan. All the best, marianna, Slovakia
Complain about this comment (Comment number 2)
Comment number 3.
At 22nd Sep 2010, Anita wrote:Hello Lewis,
It is Anita, your ex-student blogger. Welcome back to the blogs!
I always think of September as “my month” since I was the student blogger in 2006. I took a peek on the blogs the other day and I had a strange feeling of déjà vu for two reasons. Firstly, I saw a familiar face and shouted out: “Lewis is back!” Oh Lewis, how much I missed you on open blogs last December. Secondly, my daughter arrived home from London, just like in 2006, for a flying visit.
I do not like to admit it; I have not been a regular commentator recently because of shortage of time as I work from 8am to 5:30pm, 5 days a week in our showroom. When I get home my family is hungry and after dinner I am usually cream crackered.
Although I do the business correspondence in English, I am not in contact with English as much as I would like to. But I do hope that my English stays at least on the same level as it was in 2006. Well, it took me several days to sum up the courage to write here again.
Dear Lewis, your family is wonderful. Oscar is a cute, adorable little boy and I admire Tomono for her determination to establish a business on the Internet. I have already visited her website; saw the pics on her blog. The baby kimonos are just awesome. Those baby clothes are so different from what I am used to seeing in our shops. Thank you for sharing the photos and writing about Japan Matsuri as well.
Hope to be more frequent here again. Looking forward to hearing from you.
In the meantime, take care!
Anita
Complain about this comment (Comment number 3)
Comment number 4.
At 22nd Sep 2010, Anita wrote:Hi Marianna!
I am glad to see that you have revealed your incognito. How nice to meet you here again! :)
About a month ago I went on a business trip with my husband to Prievidza and I saw the "fairy-tale" Bojnice Castle just from far but you immediately came into my mind. I really missed you.
I am looking forward to reading your comments. Best wishes from another part of Slovakia.
Anita
Complain about this comment (Comment number 4)
Comment number 5.
At 22nd Sep 2010, aliozturk wrote:At the Japan, from spring to automn, everywhere is 'matsuri'(festival) or 'hanami'(fireworks). Most of Matsuri took place around the tample, and some action of the 'Matsuri' is connected to shinduism or budism. Anyway, I realy enjoyed with watching their lively dancing which was done by people who was from 7-70 years of age at Sendai in this last summer.
At the above second video, what you heard was is a kind of song which is called as ENKA. Nowadays listening 'ENKA' is beeing consedered as stereotypically 'enjoying with dolefulness' by the young generation of Japan. Example of the below is relatively 'joyful' and 'alive' comparing with the most 'ENKA song'. But actually its nature is quite sadness which comes from 'loniliness', 'blind love' or'longing to your hometown or a loved one'
But sometime I(today was my birthday. I turned my 27) listen 'ENKA' secretely but don't mention about this to any japanese(especially young one).
According to me , queen of the 'ENKA' is Yashiro Aki who is currently 60 year. 'ENKA' seem to me as if it had been getting age with her. I couldn't find better then Yashiro Aki.
[Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator]
If you could listen above link, and if you could hear the word of 'fu-ru-sa-to', it means 'hometown'. If you manage to hear the words of 'u-re-shi-i na-ki' , it means 'joyful cry'. Anyway, if you couldn't understand anything fron the words of this song, please watch her motion and look into her eyes. I suppose you can see 'nobility of Japanese.'
Ali OZTURK from Turkey(is writing from Japan)
Complain about this comment (Comment number 5)
Comment number 6.
At 23rd Sep 2010, aliozturk wrote:八代亜紀 山谷ブルース
please use yours 'copy and paste' tools.
take it easy.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 6)
Comment number 7.
At 24th Sep 2010, Dommi wrote:hhmmm it looks great! Oscar is really cute! i can imagine how much you and your nice family have enjoyed the festival. No need to tell us, we can assume it through Oscar's eyes there on the picture !!
Best Wishes to all of you.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 7)