花火: Fukuroi Fireworks

So, here in Japan, a favorite summer pastime is to wear yukata and watch fireworks (literally "flower fire"). Not to be outdone by the Japanese, it seemed like a perfect cultural experience! So, Sarah and I recruited several Japanese friends to help us out (after-all, dressing in a yukata is a bit challenging and if you put it on wrong, everyone will point out that you are dressed like a dead person!!) Fireworks occurred basically every Saturday in August, but we chose the Fukuroi City ones because they were supposed to be the biggest display in the area. Local companies sponsor the fireworks (or as Sarah aptly put it "their tax write-offs go up in smoke -- literally!), little food stands set up on the grounds, and it becomes a complete family-night out. We definitely weren't disappointed. For two hours straight, fireworks of all shapes and colors including strawberry fireworks, smiley faces, and pastel burst of color, banged in the dark. Unfortunately, I'm not so talented in taking firework photos, but here are a few of our fabulous evening...

Sarah getting wrapped, squashed, and tied up in her yukata.

Me modeling the latest fashion -- three-quarter sleeve and ankle length yukata
(Ah, the joys of being a tall foreigner in a tiny world!)

Enjoying food and fellowship while waiting for the sun to set

Lots and lots of people!

Satoko, Mami, and Sarah
(Satoko is currently a seeker at the English speaking church. Mami is a member)

The sun is going down!!

A pastel burst before it was too dark

Another random firework

We finished the evening by going into Hamamatsu City, where decorations were set up for another Festival. The bamboo and sparkly-paper adorned road was to pretty to pass up.