Day 31

I finished my shirt! (Usually when I start a sewing project, there's very little that can deter me from it). After sleeping in until ten (result of previous night's adventures in staying up late), I grabbed my fabric and set to work. Not only does my Okaasan have a fully-function, well-loved sewing machine, but she has a surger as well. It was like heaven. (Mental note: buy surger when I get home).

My workspace. (Surger = <3)

The pieces start coming together.

Almost done!

My work is complete!

From the back...

...and the front.

We also went to a parade today, for a males-only festival. There was an abundance of men of all ages in traditional Japanese (and very uncomfortable looking) loincloths, running down the street chanting "OYSTER!" I wish I was kidding. See for yourselves:

Okay, so you can't hear the 'oyster' part, but they were definitely saying oyster. Or something that sounds a lot like 'oyster.'

Later: After some careful researching (ie: Googleing "japanese men oyster festival" and working from there) I have gleaned that the festival is actually called Hakata Gion Yamakasa, and is dedicated to Fukuoka's Kushida shrine. According to the official site, it is "designated as a national significant intangible folk cultural asset," though I'm still working on translating that. The official site also reaveled that the ""Kakiyama" float (Do-no-Yamakasa) is to be carried in the festival by bearers wearing a loincloth. After receiving water on their bodies in spirited manner, they carry 1-ton floats while giving each other a shout, "Oisa, Oisa," then running through the streets of Hakata at full intention and speed by pushing the float from behind." Apparently, the chant is originally "osshoi," but is bastardized by the feverishness with which it is chanted. I'm just dissapointed that I can't find out what "osshoi" means.

Actually, I'm really just dissapointed that they weren't chanting 'oyster.'