Traditional festivals are always a great sight, but when surrounded by the modernity of the big city, they arguably become even more of a spectacle.
Photographs from a small group of islands
Traditional festivals are always a great sight, but when surrounded by the modernity of the big city, they arguably become even more of a spectacle.
cdilla says
It amazes me how much many Japanese communities and districts put into such festivals. There are festivals in the UK, but few that have such a long history and so enthusiastically run, and even fewer that are not primarily advertising/money making ventures. For many in Japan the whole year seems to revolve around their festival(s).
You have certainly captured the contrast of old an new there, even more so when you know the Robot Restaurant is just on the left there 🙂
Sometimes I attend the Chinese New Year celebrations in London, but there I like the contrasts of the brightly coloured dragons flowing noisily down the drab narrow sidestreets and back alleys around Chinatown.
cdilla says
* Their left, our right 🙂
I wish there was an edit post button, I’m always seeing mistakes in my posts just after I submit them.
Lee says
Yeah, such festivals are wonderful to see, but like you say, what’s way more important is the part they play in the community.
Yeah, the robot place is just round the corner. I’ve seen all manner of things in Kabukicho, but the first time to see a festival.
An edit button would be good, but no idea how to implement one. A quick search doesn’t seem to offer up any simple solutions either. But if I find one I’ll give it a go.
Al says
Love it! Such an amazing scene and contrast. Great photo! 🙂
Lee says
Thank you!
Must admit I was really pleased to get a festival shot in such an urban settting. Never got the timing right before.
john says
Shouting or shinging? It initially reminded me of still for a musical, at least before I scrolled down a little! Have you any idea of what the festival is about, or is it just a ‘holiday…celebrate’ (Madonna) thing ?
Lee says
There is that element about it, isn’t there? But no singing I’m afraid. Just shouting/chanting.
No idea to be honest. Quite late in the year for such a festival, but it seemed to be the usual affair. A chance to get together and parade the local god round the streets.
Mike says
Fantastic photo!
Lee says
Thank you very much!
Got to say, I was very pleased the way this one came out. Didn’t have much space or time, but just about got what I wanted.
Pat says
It’s amazing the legs on the older guy in the middle compared to the young guy on (our) right. Some sort of statement on older / newer Japan…
Lee says
I’d noticed the difference, but hadn’t thought about it like that. That’s a really interesting idea. Definitely food for thought.
Branden says
Super shot, Lee! I love their legs.
Lee says
Thank you! Very pleased with the way this one came out. But I’d be even more pleased if I had legs like the fella in the middle!
d.minnis says
The legs were also the first thing I saw…and the coordination of the burnt orange. Just a beautiful shot Lee, lucky they didn’t run you down.
Lee says
Thanks a lot!
It was a tricky one to get. Had to squeeze between those in the photos and their fellow festival participants leading them up the street. Plus I was walking backwards and trying to manually focus. But thankfully I got what I wanted. Been looking to get a shot like this for a long time, so it was doubly pleasing it came out so well.