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They wore a variety of colorful costumes and used various hula instruments such as these frayed bamboo sticks called Pūʻili.Oct 18, 2007
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Oct 18, 2007
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Hula is also performed by men. These photos were taken during the 7th Ikaho Hawaiian Festival (Aug. 5-7, 2003).Oct 18, 2007
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The Ikaho hula festival is officially sanctioned by The Merrie Monarch Festival, held in spring in Hilo, Hawaii. It is the most important and prestigious hula competition.Oct 18, 2007
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In the evenings, the overall winner of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hawaii performed on stage. In 2003, it was Hula Halau 'O Kamuela from Oahu. They performed both the ancient hula kahiko dances (pictured here) and modern auana dances in IkahOct 18, 2007
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Hula on the Stone Steps 石段街Oct 18, 2007
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Hula workshops are also offered during the day at cost. A famous kumu hula teacher from Hawaii teaches the class.Oct 18, 2007
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Other workshops are held such as ukulele lessons and a lei-making class.Oct 18, 2007
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Ikaho is famous for the Stone Steps lined with shops. A section of it also served as a second hula stage during the day.Oct 18, 2007
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Main stage where many Japanese hula troupes performed during the day for three days. Free admission.Oct 18, 2007
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Tahitian dances were also performed.Oct 18, 2007
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Hawaiian souvenirs for sale.Oct 18, 2007
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Canopy for the spectators fronting the main outdoor stage.Oct 18, 2007
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In the evenings, Hawaii's top hula halau (winner of the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hawaii) performed as the festival's main event. Photo: Flags of Hawaii and Ikaho town (merged with Shibukawa in 2006).Oct 18, 2007
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Ikaho is also a sister city of Hawaii island. During Aug. 5-7, 2003, Ikaho hosted the 7th King Kalakaua Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Festival featuring hula performances by numerous Japanese hula groups.Oct 18, 2007
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Town parking lot with a makeshift stage and main venue of the festival. The "Merrie Monarch" refers to King David Kalakaua who reigned over the Hawaiian Kingdom 1874-1891. He promoted hula in Hawaii as well as Japanese immigration to Hawaii.Oct 18, 2007
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Huge crowdOct 14, 2007
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Shijo-dori street and Naginata float. This area was the most crowded.Oct 14, 2007
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Flute players on Minami-Kannon Yama float. 南観音山Oct 14, 2007
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Naginata float at nightOct 14, 2007
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Naginata float at nightOct 14, 2007
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Naginata float at nightOct 14, 2007
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Bridge to the Minami-Kannon Yama float. 南観音山Oct 14, 2007
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Shijo-dori street and Naginata float. This area was the most crowded.Oct 14, 2007
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Shijo-dori street toward Naginata floatOct 14, 2007
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Shijo-dori street toward Naginata floatOct 14, 2007
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Outside view from the floatOct 14, 2007
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Minami-Kannon Yama float. 南観音山Oct 14, 2007
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Bridge to the Minami-Kannon Yama float. 南観音山Oct 14, 2007
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Minami-Kannon Yama float. 南観音山Oct 14, 2007
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Front of the floatOct 14, 2007
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Bridge to the Minami-Kannon Yama float. 南観音山Oct 14, 2007
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Outside view from the house connected to the float.Oct 14, 2007
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Outside view from the house connected to the float.Oct 14, 2007
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Statue of Minami-Kannon inside the house connected to the float.Oct 14, 2007
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CeilingOct 14, 2007
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A pole in the middleOct 14, 2007
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BellsOct 14, 2007
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The public can enter the float through a small bridge connecting the float to a house.Oct 14, 2007
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Front of the float with small taiko drums. They sit on a very narrow bench along the edges.Oct 14, 2007
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On the top deck of the float where the musicians play. It is a very small space.Oct 14, 2007
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On the narrow bridge to the float.Oct 14, 2007
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Minami-Kannon Yama floatOct 14, 2007
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Statue of Minami-Kannon inside the house connected to the float.Oct 14, 2007
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I went up to the 2nd floor of the house and lined up to enter the Minami-Kannon Yama float.Oct 14, 2007
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People line up to enter the Minami-Kannon Yama float.Oct 14, 2007
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Oct 14, 2007
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Crowd on Shijo-dori streetOct 14, 2007
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Minami-Kannon Yama float 南観音山Oct 14, 2007
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Girls in yukata singing in front of Minami-Kannon Yama float to attract donors.Oct 14, 2007
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Minami-Kannon Yama floatOct 14, 2007
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Minami Kannon-yama float and flute playersOct 14, 2007
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Oct 14, 2007
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Crowd and floats on Shijo-dori street as darkness sets in.Oct 14, 2007
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If you like women in yukata, see the Yoiyama (or Yoiyoiyama or Yoiyoiyoiyama during the three evenings before the main Gion Matsuri parade).Oct 14, 2007
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Crowd and floats om Shijo-dori street 四条通りOct 14, 2007
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A plastic sheet protects the tapestry from rain (it was a cloudy day)Oct 14, 2007
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Minami Kannon-yama floatOct 14, 2007
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Crowd on one of the main streetsOct 14, 2007
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Teens in yukataOct 14, 2007
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Side street to Minami Kannon-yama floatOct 14, 2007
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Minami Kannon-yama floatOct 14, 2007
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Yoshikawa: A special treat is that private residences in the old kimono merchant district open up their entryways to show folding screens, kimono, and other treasures.Oct 14, 2007
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Matsuzakaya 松坂屋Oct 14, 2007
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YoshikawaOct 14, 2007
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Oct 14, 2007
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YoshikawaOct 14, 2007
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Geta for 600 yenOct 14, 2007
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Souvenir hunters. Cheap geta clogs and yukata (made in China) are sold.Oct 14, 2007
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Maiko in my midstOct 14, 2007
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Tenjin-yamaOct 14, 2007
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Tenjin-yama 天神山Oct 14, 2007
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Yamabushi-yama 山伏山Oct 14, 2007
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Yamabushi-yamaOct 14, 2007
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Side street of food and souvenir stallsOct 14, 2007
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Yamabushi-yama residence opened up for public displayOct 14, 2007
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A real crowd pleaser. Thanks for posing!Oct 14, 2007
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Maiko poseOct 14, 2007
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Maiko poses in front of the Naginata-boko float across the street in KyotoOct 14, 2007
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Maiko alertOct 14, 2007
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People vying to see Naginata-boko float.Oct 14, 2007
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Bridge to the float.Oct 14, 2007
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Even before evening comes, a large crowd stop to see the Naginata-boko float at Shijo-Karasuma.Oct 14, 2007
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On July 16, the night before the Gion Matsuri Yamaboko Junko parade of floats, the Yoiyama display of floats lit up at night attract huge crowds in central Kyoto. You can also enter some of the grand floats.Oct 14, 2007
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North face of Chikubushima in 2007 was also badly damaged and going bald. The cormorant bird droppings and nesting activities (breaking off branches) are killing off the trees.Oct 03, 2007
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East view of Chikubushima in 2007, whose trees are badly ravaged by kawau cormorants. Over 30,000 of these birds live on the island.Oct 03, 2007
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Scenic point at end of trail. Notice the hut.Oct 03, 2007
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They row in a fixed-seat, wooden boat based on a traditional design circa 1917. Off Sugaura. Oku Biwako Parkway Road going up the mountain.Oct 03, 2007
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Sugaura as seen from Lake Biwa. The Oku Biwako Parkway Road can be seen going up the mountain.Oct 03, 2007
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Imazu Junior High School rowers on the shore of Sugaura. They row across the lake between Imazu and Nagahama every summer.Oct 03, 2007
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Sugaura as seen from Lake Biwa.Oct 03, 2007
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Path through the grove of Eastern Skunk Cabbage flowers 座禅草Oct 03, 2007
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Eastern Skunk Cabbage flower 座禅草Oct 03, 2007
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Eastern Skunk Cabbage flower 座禅草Oct 03, 2007
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Confection in the shape of Eastern Skunk Cabbage flowersOct 03, 2007
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Entrance to grove of Eastern Skunk Cabbage (zazenso). This is too far to walk from the train station, so you'll need a car to get here. 座禅草Oct 03, 2007
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Eastern Skunk Cabbage flowers 座禅草Oct 03, 2007
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Imazu is also noted for zazenso Eastern Skunk Cabbage flowers blooming in Feb. and March.Oct 03, 2007
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These flowers actually generate heat, so if it's a snowy ground, the snow around the flower would be melted.Oct 03, 2007
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Exhibition title even on the rear side of the exhibition panels.Sep 22, 2007
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7th panel showing photos of our song-related activities. Our first public performance, appearance on NHK Nodo Jiman, CD recording, etc. Also newspaper articles.Sep 22, 2007
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8th panel showing more newspaper articles, and guest book messages.Sep 22, 2007
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6th panel showing Verse 6 (Chomeiji)Sep 22, 2007
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5th panel showing Verse 5 (Hikone)Sep 22, 2007
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3rd panel showing Verse 3 (Imazu)Sep 22, 2007
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5th panel showing Verse 4 (Chikubushima)Sep 22, 2007
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2nd panel showing Verse 2 (Omatsu or Omi-Maiko)Sep 22, 2007
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Operated by the city, Lucci Plaza is a multi-purpose facility with a concert hall, public library, restaurant, and health and welfare center.Sep 22, 2007
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Eight exhibition panels in the spacious lobby.Sep 22, 2007
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1st panel for Verse 1 and explanation about the exhibition and English song.Sep 22, 2007
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Maibara Exhibition, July 19 - Aug. 3, 2007 at Lucci Plaza, Maibara, Shiga. Near Omi-Nagaoka Station. Photo exhibition poster.Sep 22, 2007
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Sep 16, 2007
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Sep 16, 2007
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Sep 16, 2007
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Sep 16, 2007
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Lake Biwa Rowing Course boathouseSep 16, 2007
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Lake Biwa Rowing Course boathouseSep 16, 2007
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Lake Biwa Rowing Course clubhouse, in front of which the awards ceremony was held. It is next to the finish line. The facillity is operated by Shiga Prefecture.Sep 16, 2007
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Sep 16, 2007
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Writing the winning team's name on the award certificate (one per team). Students from Doshisha University Rowing Club served as volunteer staff.Sep 16, 2007
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The BL Club B team placed 2nd in the Women's Category. 一般女子の部 2位 BLクラブBSep 16, 2007
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The Shiga University Education Dept. B team placed 3rd in the Women's Category. 一般女子の部 3位 滋賀大教育BSep 16, 2007
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Sports Masters poster. The annual Sports Masters national competition was held in Shiga in 2007. This regatta was a supporting event instead of an official competition.Sep 16, 2007
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Lake Biwa Rowing Song CD presented to a winner. A CD was also presented to the regatta's youngest and oldest rower.Sep 16, 2007
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The BL Club C team placed 2nd in the Masters Women's Category. マスターズ女子の部 2位 BLクラブCSep 16, 2007
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The SAKURA team placed 2nd in the Family category. ファミリーの部 2位 SAKURASep 16, 2007
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3rd place winner in the Masters Men's Category. マスターズ男子の部 3位 大歯大松籟会BSep 16, 2007
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Awards ceremony. The presenter is Shigeru Aoyama, the director of the Lake Biwa Rowing Course.Sep 16, 2007
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Trophy for you.Sep 16, 2007
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Awards ceremony was held from 2 pm after each final race was completed.Sep 16, 2007
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1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winning teams received a trophy, certificate, and Lake Biwa Rowing Song CD. The CD was donated by Philbert Ono.Sep 16, 2007
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The main boat type used was the "knuckle four," a boat developed in Japan for stability rather than speed. Good for beginners.Sep 16, 2007
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Sep 16, 2007
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Finish line.Sep 16, 2007
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Sep 16, 2007
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"Lake Biwa Rowing Song" was played all day long over the PA system.Sep 16, 2007
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The 6th annual Lake Biwa Kaitsuburi (Little Grebe) Regatta was held on Sept. 16, 2007. This regatta is mainly for ordinary people of all ages wanting to row. Lake Biwa Rowing Course (Biwako Sotei-jo) in Otsu, Shiga. 滋賀県立琵琶湖漕艇場Sep 16, 2007
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The regatta was set for 300 meters. It was a hot, summer day.Sep 16, 2007
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The regatta started at 9 am, and ended at about 4 pm. Omi-Ohashi Bridge in the background.Sep 16, 2007
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Ohmi Railways Taga Taisha-mae Station. The shrine is a 10-min. walk from this station. 近江鉄道 多賀大社前駅Sep 14, 2007
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Taga Taisha-mae Station platform and Ohmi Railways train.Sep 14, 2007
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Inside Ohmi Railways train.Sep 14, 2007
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Exhibition space inside Taga Taisha-mae Station. Also good as a waiting room.Sep 14, 2007
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Lantern-lit path to Taga TaishaSep 14, 2007
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Shishimai lion danceSep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Dragon danceSep 14, 2007
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Taga Taisha Lantern Festival also had some entertainment. Also see my YouTube video here.Sep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Entertainment with a dragon danceSep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Entertainment on stageSep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Lanterns at nightSep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Gate to shrineSep 14, 2007
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Direct path to Taga Taisha Shrine hallSep 14, 2007
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Torii with lanterns litSep 14, 2007
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These lanterns hanging in the main shrine hall must be the most expensive ones.Sep 14, 2007
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The shrine also recently got its roof rethatched. The roof looked spanking new.Sep 14, 2007
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As evening approaches, the crowd increases.Sep 14, 2007
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Main shrine hallSep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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These lanterns above are the smallest ones, requiring a donation of only 1,500 yen. They are the most numerous.Sep 14, 2007
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Approaching the main shrine hall.Sep 14, 2007
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Festival schedule, starting at 5:30 pm and ending after 9 pm.Sep 14, 2007
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Each lantern is lit with a small lightbulb. (No candles)Sep 14, 2007
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Kids carrying mikoshi portable shrine. They went to the train station.Sep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Taga Taisha's lanterns come in five sizes. Each one represents a donation. The donar's name is on the lantern. The biggest lantern requires a donation of 20,000 yen.Sep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Mantosai sign under the toriiSep 14, 2007
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Arched bridge leading to shrine gate.Sep 14, 2007
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Taga Taisha Shrine toriiSep 14, 2007
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Near the shrine entrance are the usual food stalls.Sep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Welcome to TagaSep 14, 2007
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Homes along the way are decorated.Sep 14, 2007
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Held during Aug. 3-5 at Taga Taisha Shrine, the Mantosai or 10,000-Lantern Festival is a night festival when numerous lanterns are lit within the shrine grounds. The lanterns are for the repose of ancestral spirits.Sep 14, 2007
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Road to Taga Taisha ShrineSep 14, 2007
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Taga Taisha Shrine torii near Taga Taisha-mae Station. MAPSep 14, 2007
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The paper flaps are applied with paste and then folded over the bamboo rod.Sep 14, 2007
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See the paper flaps pasted over the edge.Sep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Almost finished. This paper cutting step took 3 days to complete.Sep 14, 2007
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Wing portion after paper cutting.Sep 14, 2007
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Sep 14, 2007
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Wing portion before paper cutting.Sep 14, 2007
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How they do it: First they cut along the outline of the picture leaving ample space. Then they cut it perpendicular to the edge to make paper flaps.Sep 14, 2007
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The bamboo grid was temporarily fixed with weights and some tape.Sep 14, 2007
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Intricate bamboo grid/frame fitting all shapes along the edges.Sep 14, 2007
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The bamboo grid is carefully aligned with the kite design.Sep 14, 2007
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Aug. 5, 2007: Paper cutting 切り抜き Kiri-nuki. First they reversed the kite paper so the bottom side was up. Then they re-installed the bamboo grid as shown here.Sep 14, 2007
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Inside the boat houseAug 14, 2007
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Water drainAug 14, 2007
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"Tell us my friends your stories, with your fervent hearts."「語れ我がが友 暑き心」 Also see my YouTube video here.Aug 14, 2007
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Cox seat and rudder (removed). Beautiful boat, and I'm darn happy to have rowed on this rare boat. Felt almost like Oguchi Taro.Aug 14, 2007
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Aug 14, 2007
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Fixed seatAug 14, 2007
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Target destination in sightAug 14, 2007
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Aug 14, 2007
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Oarlock on fixed-seat boatAug 14, 2007
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Hauling the fixed-seat boat to the boat houseAug 14, 2007
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The boat is first carried onto a trolley.Aug 14, 2007
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They refused to be pulled by the fishing boat. They wanted to row all the way home to Imazu.Aug 14, 2007
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Aug 14, 2007
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Imazu boathouseAug 14, 2007
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Fixed-seat boats and ocean sculls rendezvous toward home in Imazu.Aug 14, 2007
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Catch, row, catch, row...Aug 14, 2007
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Bringing the boat to dock.Aug 14, 2007
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Off Makino Sunny BeachAug 14, 2007
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Aug 14, 2007
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"With our sights set nowhere, rolling with the waves..."「ゆくえ定めぬ、波枕」Aug 14, 2007
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Sleek boat slicing through the water.Aug 14, 2007
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Fishing boat for human transport. It was a very hot day with no wind.Aug 14, 2007
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All-girl crew pose for a picture. The rowing club has more girls than boys. はい、ポーズ！Aug 14, 2007
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Fixed-seat boatsAug 14, 2007
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"Today is Imazu or, Nagahama huh..."「今日は今津か 長浜か」Aug 14, 2007
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SugauraAug 14, 2007
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Rowing away from SugauraAug 14, 2007
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Fixed-seat boat with Mt. Ibuki and Chikubushima in the background. 千秋・太郎号のフィックス艇Aug 14, 2007
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Departing Sugaura with Chikubushima in the background.Aug 14, 2007
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Boys watch their classmates row.Aug 14, 2007
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Fixed-seat boat フィックス艇Aug 14, 2007
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Lunch break at Sugaura, a scenic lakeside town. It is also where the scenic Oku Biwako Parkway road starts.Aug 14, 2007
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Ocean scull rowers and a sickly Chikubushima going bald. The numerous cormorants are killing off the trees on the island.Aug 14, 2007
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This boat's name is "Chiaki/Taro," named after the writer (Oguchi Taro) and composer (Yoshida Chiaki) of the song, Biwako SHuko no Uta.Aug 14, 2007
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Heading toward Sugaura, Nishi-Azai in northern Lake Biwa.Aug 14, 2007
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Departing SugauraAug 14, 2007
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I love the design of this boat. 千秋・太郎号のフィックス艇Aug 14, 2007
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Boys posing for a picture at SugauraAug 14, 2007
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Chikubushima and fixed-seat boatAug 14, 2007
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Three ocean sculls wander in front of Mt. IbukiAug 14, 2007
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Getting a free ride were these girls heading for Sugaura, a small town on the northern shore of Lake Biwa.Aug 14, 2007
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Twin fixed-seat boats. One is named "Chiaki/Taro" and the other is called "Yodo," after Yodogawa River in Osaka. Lake Biwa's water feeds Yodogawa River.Aug 14, 2007
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Approaching SugauraAug 14, 2007
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Rowers changed boats. Those without a rowing boat were transported on the fishing boats.Aug 14, 2007
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Chikubushima and ocean scullAug 14, 2007
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Chugging along on a fishing boat.Aug 14, 2007
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Our fixed-seat boat 千秋・太郎号のフィックス艇Aug 14, 2007
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"Hira and Ibuki too, only but a dream"Aug 14, 2007
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We were far behind, so a support boat pulled us along. Two fishing boats provided support for the rowing trip.Aug 14, 2007
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Ocean scullAug 14, 2007
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After about an hour, our first on-shore break, nears Sports no Mori in northern Nagahama.Aug 14, 2007
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