Thursday, July 18, 2013

Getting My Odori On

The SECOND weekend in July is a very important one in my household. That is the weekend of the Obon (a Japanese festival honoring the spirits of ones ancestors) in our city's Japantown. Even though we are not Japanese (a few of us are Chinese, including me), the festival has been a Summer highlight in our family since forever.

This year was even more special because SJT, the greatest Taiko group around, was celebrating their 40th anniversary. What ia TAIKO? Well, basically they are drums that originated in the temples of Japan. Today Taiko groups have elevated Taiko to an energetic artform. I really love SJT. For some reasons, their mix of modern and classical Japanese rhythms really comfort my little PUGGY soul. I was especially keep to catch their performance.

Auntie B came by to get us. I was all ready in my special KIMONO. It is not necessary to wear traditional clothing to the OBON. Most people attend in everyday clothing. Kimonos and Happi are donned for dancing the Odori (Japanese traditional dance), though.





First up - the food court. FOOD????? Oh yes. We are talking Sushi folk. If you recall my Mommy #2 make
me some sushi now and then. It is simply seasoned rice (sushi) wrapped in seaweed (nori). But I loves loves loves it. We also tried a little Iwanaga-yaki which is a waffly thingy with sweet red bean in the middle. I only got a little - I didn't want to pop my OBI from too much good food.

By the time we finished, it was time for SJT. They were GREAT, as usual. It was hot and sunny on the streets where they performed; but you would never know it by the energetic way they played. At one point they motioned for me to join them. OMP!!!! A dream come TRUE!!!!

What an honor!!!!

After SJT concluded their wonderful performance, it was time for the CHIDORI band to play and shortly afterward, the ODORI began. The Odori is really cool because all of the dancers enter the stage area by DANCING down 5th Street. Close you eyes and imagine a HUNDRED (it seems) kimono clad dancers slowly making their way down the street while performing a classical dance. It was AWESOME!!! I really think this is my favorite part - aside from the food, that is. Afterward, we ate some MOCHI ice cream which was the perfect SWEET note to end our Obon adventure.















6 comments:

Reuben said...

How cool, Noodles! Even though it was hot.... my mama loves Japanese musics, art and foodables; I wished we could has come with you! You looks lovely in your kimono and obi and of course you is the star of the drumming show too.

love,
Reuben

daisy said...

oooohhhhhh. Our momma loves Obon. And how we wish we had kimono. Are you willing to share where you got yours?

And best, best, best of all, our prizes arrived. We are waiting for Dad's camera to come home so that we can send you pictures of our surprised faces.

Thanks for being such a generous pug, full of life and giving. You are one special girl.

Sayonara,
Daisy and Scooter Pugman

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Noodles you look GORGEOUS in your Kimono.

Our mom talks about in 1992 the Demon Drummers of Japan were in Columbus fur the SUMMER... She went to see and HEAR them about 10 times and says they were OUTSTANDING.

Enjoy your special celebration.

Payton's mom said...

Cultural festivals are so much fun, I can see why you make this one a family tradition.
Love,
Christy

Matilda the Boxer said...

Wow, what an adventure! You do look beeYOUtiful in your kimono.

Two French Bulldogs said...

Mom is intrigued by the Japanese culture and finds the people very friendly. Have fun
Benny & Lily