沼田祭り 令和5年８月 Numata Matsuri August 2023

Numata Matsuri (a local festival held in Numata, Gunma Prefecture from August 3rd-5th) features a parade of several mikoshi (floats), each adorned with lanterns and featuring Japanese drummers which represent the different districts of the city. Each year, the giant Tengu (long-nosed ogre) head is carried around by a women-only crew. The women shouting "wasshoi!" incorporate martial arts into their dance. Plenty of food can be found at the vendor stalls (yatai): takoyaki, yakisoba, karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken), and so on. With a series of highballs in one hand and my camera in the other, I got to experience this festival for the first time.

[@maxbrandt6]

That was real nice, we don't really have something like this in most places in the US. I like how they incorporate part Japanese folklore into the different district's floats. Did you get some dumplings on a stick?

[@stevethefishdotnet]

I stood in line for takoyaki for quite a while. Then when it came close to my turn, they'd sold out for the night. I did manage to get some fried chicken though.

[@czarneckims]

Thank you for posting, Greg. The “life in Japan” videos are great. With each, I feel a bit deeper if an understanding of your attraction to the people and culture of the country. But you missed out on the dumplings and only ended up with fried chicken…man, that’s quite a step down to second place…

[@maxbrandt6]

@@stevethefishdotnet That is good!