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Japan is a great place to live if you like festivals and I do, a lot. Here they are called ‘matsuri’ and there are many, many of them. I’m pretty sure that all year round on any day of the week there is a festival going on somewhere in this country.

This one is an autumn festival I stumbled on by accident. In this case, it was basically a big get together organized by the community to show off the local singing and dancing talent along with lots of colorful stalls selling local products and food.

The interesting thing about this festival was the traditional toys that were on display. Both kids and adults were encouraged to try them out.

Here you see the ‘kendama’ – a stick with a wooden ball attached by a long string. As you can see the idea is to jerk the ball up and try and catch it in the cup. Great for hand eye co-ordination. This next one is called the ‘chugokugoma’. You keep it moving up and down along the string a bit like a big yoyo. If you’re good, you can throw it in the air and catch it. This last one is called ‘take odori’ or bamboo dance. Two bamboo poles are moved in and out while people dance in time to the beat.

For me, one of the best things about Japanese festivals is the food. There is such a large variety to choose from. Some of the main ones are these. Yakisoba (my favorite) – Noodles fried with pork and vegetables in soy sauce. Okonomiyaki – pancakes again made with pork, squid and vegetables, and seasoned with brown sauce and mayonnaise. Rice crackers and chocolate covered bananas. And because the weather is still warm ‘kakigori’ – shaved ice with lots of different flavors. I’m not sure what this one is though. Lets just call it ‘blue’. Whatever it is, it looks delicious!

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