Many times throughout the summer, the Japanese have Mikoshi parades. The Mikoshi are portable Shinto shrines that are elaborately decorated and carried through the streets of its followers. The Japanese usually carry the shrine on their shoulders while chanting and clapping. There were some that were rolled along with musicians playing the entire time. Overall, the people carried the shrines over 2 miles. They tend to be very heavy and require many people to help. This was the first time I appreciated the self confidence of the men in Japan...many of the traditional outfits were short robes with a type of bikini underwear...and believe me, we saw some colorful undies! This was an awesome experience, because the base opens up and participates. There were thousands of people, mostly Japanese who were in the parade and lining the streets. It was funny, because there were vendors set up with food and drinks along the end of the route. The Japanese were super excited to buy numerous pizzas and boxes of Dunkin Donuts each. In fact, they brought special carrying cases to lug their purchases home. This was honestly the loudest and most fun parade that I have ever been to. I am going to try to upload a video so you can experience it too.
This one had musicians playing the drums and the Japanese flute.
This is a more traditional shrine.
I just thought this was funny...traditionally dressed people eating from our McDonalds. And the guy was just pushing the girls along.
This was an interesting one, because all the carriers were women for this shrine.
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