Two guys at a summer festival in Japan
This is a must if you’re bold enough to come to Japan during the hot summer days.
“I want the local experience”
Harrison and I knew each other’s existence for almost 25 years, but never had a single conversation until 2024. He is the older brother of my first ever “school best friend” at an elementary in East Hawaii. Whenever I would come over to her house, Harrison was the cool intimidating older brother who was living in his own world under a rock across the hallway.
When we briefly met this year, his sister/ aka. my school best friend, introduced him to Cyber Bunny. Her: “Look what’s she up to now!”
He was hooked and loved the “character who is rebelling against the system,” as he described me. Out of his kindness and aloha spirit, he wanted to support my small tour business, so he signed up for an exclusive mini tour. His request was that he wanted to go to a matsuri “summer festival” in Japan.
Perfect timing! There just happens to be one festival that was happening on the weekend he was in Japan. It is my duty to show him a memorable time.
“The Authentic Experience”
After he and his buddy Kyle finished up at a Christian workshop in Yokohama, they came over to our small shoe-box apartment.
I dressed them in two styles: a jinbei (two-piece top and shorts) and traditional summer yukata (cotton kimono). They loved it! They rocked it!
My friend, Minori, was kind enough to tag along. Thank god she speaks English!
I also dressed her in one of my grandma’s kimono. After all, it was only appropriate if the gentlemen matched the ladies attire during the festivities.
Side note: Did you know that most Japanese people don’t know how to put on a yukata? It’s easy! Here’s the latest tutorial
Shimokitazawa Awa Odori Matsuri
This is their 56th annual festival located in Shimokitawa, Setagaya ward. IG: yattokoren
Shimokitazawa is popular for their overpriced second hand American clothing. You might be surprised to see your high school lettermen’s jacket here with your name still on it.
What’s Awa Odori?
Awa Odori is a local variation of Bon Odori dancing, which is performed throughout Japan during the summer for the Obon holiday. It dates back over 400 years.
It is most famous in Tokushima city for going all out.
Hearing the taiko drums going at it is one of those experiences you must see in person! Minori felt the spirit of Japan, “I am so proud to be Japanese. I’m speechless!” Harrison and Kyle also was amazed by the performance. We were so lucky to see it so up close.
Kyle was inspired by the dancers and started dancing after a couple of beers lol.
It’s not a summer festival if you haven’t tried yakisoba or shave ice.
According to Hawaii resident now based in California, Harrison defends, “it’s SHAVE ice without the D. That’s how you know if it’s authentic to Hawaii or not.” Thank you for confirming what I’ve always questioned in my mind!
Melon flavor! This is the best way to cool down!
Kyle is a natural model lol
Hanabi 花火 | Fireworks
This is one of my favorite memories as a child. Every summer when I went back to Japan, the neighborhood kids and I would gather in front of our house and we would play with fireworks in our yukata just like this:
Watching the boys (ahem, I mean “men”) play with fire was absolutely adorable <3
Btw, they are both very single and are looking for a nice Christian girl if anyone is interested :)
Calling it an early night since they have to climb Mt. Fuji early next morning, I sent them back to their hotel in the nice big black Bunny Mobile. What a night!
