11 August 2007 Fireworks
When I went shopping, as it were, for new condos in the area, they all kept advertising how well you could see the local firework festival. I thought this was pretty idiotic, considering that the other 364 days a year were much more important. Well, the fireworks were a few days ago, and I have to admit, it was pretty cool being able to see them from our balcony. Turns out it’s one of the largest in Japan, and Japanese people love fireworks. We invited people to come watch from our house, and about 20 took us up on the offer. It was a madhouse with kids running around everywhere, and I can’t wait to do it again next year.
(Click on photos for larger versions.)
View from Our Balcony the Day of the Fireworks
That’s lake Biwa, where they’re launched from a floating platform.
Folks on the Balcony
About half the people who came. The girl on the left facing the camera is Maya, my homestay sister when I was here 14 (!) years ago. Next to her is her mother.
Maya and Genbo
Genbo was pretty unimpressed with the whole thing, much preferring to play with his trains inside.
All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go
Zoe mercifully slept through most of the night, coming out only at the end to be ooh-ed and ahhh-ed at.
Finally, here are some pictures of the fireworks, which were spectacular and went on for a full hour. Photos of fireworks are not nearly so nice, unfortunately.
(A fish!)