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Sunday, August 26, 2012

Spectacle

As one cliché goes, if you've got to end something, end it with a bang. So did Tokyo with its own way of saying goodbye to summer, capping the season with a colorful, sexy, spectacular extravaganza, the Asakusa Samba Festival.

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Since returning back to Japan last 2008, I've never missed this event. The Asakusa Samba Festival is always a hit and everyone, from spectators to dancers to staff, does not mind the heat just to be a part of this send off.

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sexy spectacle
a bonding of two countries 
colored harmonies

Last 2011, because of the earthquake, the festival was canceled. I always blogged about my experiences and 2008, 2009 Samba Festival were no exceptions. Last 2010, I did not have an entry about but I posted a photo in flickr and one of the revelers informed me that it was her, perhaps she was exploring the net that time. This year, I got the chance to see her again. Too bad their group was too fast, was able to click my camera only a few times.

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Everyone can join the parade, young, old, men, women. The colors brought the streets of Asakusa to life. Who cares about the 33 deg C temperature?

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As expected, the crowd last Saturday doubled as compared to previous years. Perhaps everyone missed it last year. Must be the heat, but there were 2-3 commotions that took place. We thought we had a good spot after arriving at the venue by 10 am. We were wrong, some of the spectators were already up by 6 am. Everyone was a photographer for a day. I wasn't in an ideal spot, but I'll take it.

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The event seems to be never ending. The rhythm just keeps on beating, inviting all who are there to move their bellies. It's a one huge party. Party that you wish wouldn't stop. Until the last beat, the place is still shaking. This time, it's not about the earthquake.

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What's in store for 2013 Samba Festival? Twelve more months to go and we will know the answer.

  samba 2012 

 /totomai
 2012/08/26

34 comments:

  1. hope to join you next year. I remember this event as where I first used the 70-200 L. looking forward to your next "never missed this event" set. the Kawasaki halloween.

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    1. will miss the kawasaki halloween this year. haha. i'm on vacation.

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  2. what amazing costumes! I feel for those girls though with all that makeup on, in that heat...

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    1. but i still believe that they were having fun :-)

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  3. Incredible array of stunning costumes - bright colours and creative! The experience must have been dazzling!

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    1. dazzling is a perfect term for it. why i didn't use it. Thanks Gemma.

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  4. This looks like it would be great fun to watch... vibrant color in motion... great photos!

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    1. it was. i always see to it that i am a part of it... as a spectator. Thanks Josie

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  5. Being a spectator means you have taken part and that wonderful feeling of being part of any festival is exhilarating. What a great post as of course of yours all are!

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    1. Thanks OE. yes, it was really fun :-) Hope to see it again next year.

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  6. Excellent pictures. Must be fun to be there.

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  7. So colorful!!! :) Medyo nabother lang ako sa first pic.hahaha. :)

    http://www.dekaphobe.com/

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  8. awesome - the event, the photos and your experience :)

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  9. gorgeous pageantry....love the costumes and general happy feel to this event....move your bellies! great fun..

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    1. i tried moving my belly. it didnt look good haha. thanks!

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  10. That looks like a very nice festival, Totomai. :)
    I needed Google's help to find that the two countries in the bonding were Japan and Brazil.
    ..

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  11. Beautiful! I love the first photo the most. :)

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  12. every year ka talagang nanjan eh no.. walang mintis.. may inaabangan? ehehehehe

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  13. Ang daming sexy! Kaya siguro favorite mo 'to. Just kidding :D

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  14. You sure can take some kickass photos!

    BTW, what lens were you using here? The bokeh looks incredibly creamy, the subject stands out as if almost in an empty space :)

    - Ray

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    1. Hi Ray,

      I used macro lens (Nikkor 105mm 2.8f) during this event. Thanks thanks!

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    2. Nice. Yeah we use Nikons for our pics also, but I think we just need more practice hehe. Thanks again!

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  15. Bang on the first pic! Hahaha :) Oh now I know very sacred ang start and end of summer sa Japan. :) I'm learning a lot from your blog! Keep sharing. :)

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    1. Thanks Mela :-) Trying to share about Japan while I'm still here

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any thoughts to distill?

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