Setomono Matsuri

Today I went to the long anticipated, at least by me, Setomono Matsuri. Seto is a town about 60 min from where I live, that is famous for its pottery, it has a clay mine to back up the industry.When I came to Japan on my homefinding trip I was introduced to Seto and decided that rather than ship or rent dishes, I would purchase them in Seto as a suvinear for myslef.
I was very impressed by the festival, it exceeded my exceptions. The selection was unbelievable and the pieces were great. I was struck by the thought that I wont be able to go back next year.

Happy Birthday Mike!

Sakae Matsuri

My friend from work, Ayumi, took me to a Summer Festival in Sakae in Nagoya this past weekend. To make the event more exciting she found a yukata for me to barrow and had her Mother In Law dress us for the event. It was am an amazing opportunity to attend a festival in authentic attire, but I learned that yukatas are designed strictly for straight figures and are deceptively tight and uncomfortable.

There was plenty of mysterious fried foods for sale, but bound by the Obi I had no appetite.


The highlight of the festival was a parade, it began with several school marching bands...


And continued with groups of dancers