Chichibu Yomatsuri and Other Festivities

The 2nd and 3rd of December was the annual Chichibu Yomatsuri. It is the thrid largest night festival in Japan. Our little town of 30,000 (in the immediate city) turned into 200,000-300,000 people. The event revolves around six floats that are pulled up and down the streets. The floats weigh around 10 tons and are massive.




Some of the float pullers


A unicyclist


Am I the only one that finds kids going in and out of Mario's crotch disturbing?


Here are some kids pulling one of the floats. I actually got to pull a float too for a bit. One of my friends insisted I pull it, so I had my 30 seconds of glory. I would have done it longer, but I am sure I would have fallen on me arse.


After the festival, we went to 301. Here is Shuichi, the bar owner, bartender, and sometimes DJ. Also, one of my innocent Japanese crushes :)


Teru, karoake bar owner and sometimes our event DJ...another one of my Japanese crushes. :)


Katsuo, the local boxer and boxing gym owner/trainer. Not a crush.


Some JET boys showing the 301 cheetah who's boss.
CJ, David, and Matt




The two random Japanese guys curled up on my heated carpet. Look how precious!


Badminton anyone?


Lynnette and Justin B.


Teddy, Kim, and Janice


David, an art student graduate, wrote his name on the wall. You can use your imagination on the medium he chose to express himself. Pure talent.


And he was nice enough to write mine, too.


Some JET boys and Teddy
David, Ivan, CJ, Teddy, Justin B.


Yay! Fireworks!


Right outside my front door.