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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Rhythm

How about a dance celebration to end the summer? Japan, especially in Tokyo, do that annually. Every last Saturday of August, people gather at Asakusa to be a part of the yearly Samba Festival. The past years, everyone handled the 33 deg C temperature but for this year, an uninvited guest arrived – the rain.

samba


When Boredom Strikes

 ask the wind to sing
a song of childhood
give a tune to unlimited yawns
a capella

 invite the trees to dance
like the ones in  high school proms
waltz with the weeds
cotillion

 summon the rain
not the snow
to wash away the wrinkles
 of a tired spirit
in deep slumber
bravo

 relive the performances
 of life in a puddle
give each one
a standing O

 /totomai

I think I have been taking photos of the event since 2008 without fail. I may be wrong though. And despite of being at the festival every year, the dedication of the participants still surprises me, especially the children who also didn’t care if it’s raining or not. As they say, teach them while they are young.

lead
showerraincoats
future

Honestly though, I am more worried for those who wear elaborate costumes because of the rain. I can’t imagine the weight they have to carry while maintaining the smiles on their faces.

show
redcolors
football

This is one of the more colorful festivals in Japan and a must-see one. Even color blinds will be able to distinguish the hues flashing before them. Of course, the photographers don’t know where to shoot as everything is fast-paced.

metallic
colorsguitaris
swirl
hairedgreens
punk
hairclown

Samba Festival won’t be a samba festival without the revealing outfits. I hope the dancers didn’t catch a cold after.

uncoveredmasked
welcome
stretchdance
stripes
hishake
stare

As long as there’s music. The hips will continue to shake. Until next year.

beads

Sorry for the photo overload, but I took more than 1,000 shots in 5 hours and it was difficult to choose which one to include on this post.

/totomai
2015/09/09

Photos taken with Nikon D7000, 
lenses used : 
                Nikkor 18-300mm 3.5f

34 comments:

  1. What a spirited poem! Love the vibrant pictures :D

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  2. How could you every get bored looking at your pictures. Ha. Such vibrant life.

    As I was telling someone else today, I tend to retreat into my imagination when I get bored. So I jive right with you on going back to those times of great excitement. You put a lot of energy into this. It made me smile. Perhaps I will save it for when I am next bored.

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    1. Haha. Thanks X. Shooting around Japan is my way to fight homesickness 😜

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  3. Never a photo overload - your work is a joy..just like dancing in the rain - your poem made me think..boredom as a child an adult are hugely different...if I recall it can be quickly remedied when young and optimistic...another wonderful post

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    1. Thanks Jae - maybe i need to dance in the rain again just like in high school

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  4. Don't apologize for it is always a treat to see your work. I just hope it was warm enough for the participants as it is still chilly here in South Australia.

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    1. It was a bit cold Robin as it was raining but I hope everyone was fine

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  5. luv the masquerade, a nice way to end the season i think, no one can be bored in that festival

    much love...

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    1. I agree Gillena - that is why I am always looking for this event every year

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  6. this is so gorgeous...when boredom will strike i'll remember these colorful vibrant images :)

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  7. Amen! Though I might conjure up different images than you, I love the musical cures you suggest!

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    Replies
    1. Sometimes it's good to reminisce. Thanks Susan

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  8. Great pics Totomai! You've sent perfect images all the time. Great lines too! Thanks for sharing!

    Hank

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  9. Never apologize for too many of your glorious photos. I would happily look at all one thousand. What spectacular costumes - great shots!!!!! I LOVE your poem! Completely.

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    1. Funny but I fell asleep looking throught my photos after the parade lol. Thanks Sherry

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  10. I really like the idea of reliving life performances in a puddle. That idea made me smile, and (ha) sometimes it might be the best place of all for one's performances to be repeated. As for your photos, you definitely captured the beauty and the energy of the dances. What a wonderful photo op!! Glad to see you here at Midweek Motif, Totomai.

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    1. Thanks Mary. A bit busy so I cannot join regularly. Yes, the puddle is my secret cinema

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  11. How lively and colourful! That would be a boredom tonic all right.

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  12. Such colorful costumes...Wow!! Freaking gorgeous girls quickened my heartbeat..😊.. After all this why should one feel bored..??
    Beautifully composed..😊

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  13. Another well written poem and wonderful photos.

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  14. I always love the life that you capture in your photos and this work of art is no exception. What spirit and enthusiasm.
    What a treat to be able to share the excitement each year.
    No boredom in your life!!!

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    Replies
    1. There are some bumps Leslie - but I can manage :)

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  15. Great poem, wonderful images! You are an excellent photographer. The event looks like great fun!

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any thoughts to distill?

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