Aoba Matsuri Festival

Aoba Matsuri is the annual local festival commemorating the founder of Sendai, Date Masamune, who led the city during the early Edo period. The entire venue was quite festive and lively despite the gray and rainy weather. Sheltered under the roof covering the Ichibancho-dori, crowds gathered around the traditional wooden floats and performance groups as they danced the Suzume Odori, "Sparrow Dance" which was said to be created when the local Aoba-jo Castle walls were raised.

I was particularly attracted by the pounding pulsing of the Taiko drums, especially since it was performed by a guy who was more than half naked! It was interesting to see the locals open up and dance so freely, which is quite rare to see in the everyday life here.

Sendai, Japan Mai 2009