An Australian boy joining in Matsuri!

This time, an Australian boy living in Japan visited us.
Actually, he is a friend of our children and has visited us before.
He came to the Kansai area to take care of some business and stopped by our house.

October is the season of autumn festivals in Sasayama.

One of the day he stayed, I took him to a festival in the area where our family used to live.

This was the first autumn festival after the pandemic, so every one seemed happy to have this festival.
We left home a little late and missed the time when all the taiko drum floats and Hikiyama floats from six villages were gathered.
But we parked our car nearby and walked to the Futamura Shrine.

On the way, I greeted former neighbors who were taking a break from carrying the floats.
"Please help us carry the drum float!"

They were asking if the Australian boy could help carry the drum float.

He is a very tall man.

"It's a lot of work, but what do you say?"

He said, "OK, why not?"

So he tried.

They let him use a happi coat and he joined the event.
He probably regretted it on the way😅.

The drum float is sooooo heavy!
The float, long beams, and 4 children on the float playing drums, probably 500kg or more in total.

The year we moved to Sasayama, 2 of my sons participated in this event.
But they are also tall, so the weight was on their shoulders and they gave up after participating in the morning.

The locals carry it for 1 1/2 days (with some breaks of course), going all around the village!
It's just amazing!

Anyway, after the ritual ceremony at the Futamura Shrine was over,
he helped carrying the float from the shrine to all the way down to the approach to the shrine.

"I've been to see festivals before, but it's not often that I get to take part in one. I am glad I did it!
Next year I'll bring my friends!"

He was so positive😅.

I know it was tough though.

So after that, he finished his business and went home in high spirits!