高円寺阿波踊り

阿波舞通常以數十人連成一組在街上跳舞，通常在前方的會踏著2拍子的節奏跳舞，伴奏的人在後方跟隨，樂器基本上有鉦鼓、太鼓、三味線及橫笛等。其中大型的阿波舞節「東京高圓寺阿波舞節」在每年8月最後一個六日舉行。今年我也跟朋友一起去湊熱鬧 。朋友說阿波舞有一古調是這樣唱的：「跳的是笨蛋、不跳的是笨蛋，反正都是笨蛋，不跳就不划算啦！」(えらいやっちゃ、えらいやっちゃ、ヨイヨイヨイヨイ、踊る阿呆に見る阿呆、同じ阿呆なら踊らな損々) 很奇怪吧!

二子玉川花火大会

神宮外苑花火大会

Homemade Seaweed Salad

New Look

The word "yukata" (浴衣) literally means bath clothes. It comes from the word "yu" (bath) and "katabira" (under clothing).

Yukata is widely worn in ryokan (Japanese traditional inns). First time I wore yukata is also at a Japanese traditional inn. Though the yukata was not that eye catching as what I can see at the summer events, such as firework displays and bon-odori festivals.

Yukata is mainly made of light weight cotton with different pattern designs and colors. The left side of the yukata should be wrapped over the right side. A wider belt called obi (ribbon) should put around the waist. There are many different ways to tie the ribbon. To be lazy, you can even go for a already-tied ribbon. For the whole look, a pair of wooden sandals (geta) is important.

Bright color such as pink and yellow is always popular for yukata. However, this year, dark colors seem more popular. No doubt that this is a new trend, and even black yutaka is widely worn. It gives a new of classic and modern fusion.

Grapes

Surprised

I've just notice an email which was in my inbox almost half month! I noticed it way too late! That supposed to be my birthday gift! Wow!