5 More Animated Images from Obon Festivities in Kin Town

The young Eisa guys and gals performed at a senior citizens home.

Staying in the background, I used a zoom lens to avoid blocking anyone's view.

 There were times, people in their 80's would jump in and join the dancers.

The Esso gasoline station is a good place for the Eisa dancers to get out of the hot sun.

It is conveniently located about a minute's walk from my office. 

 A wide angle lens was used to take this shot, while sitting on the curb.

The little yellow speck, in the image happens to be, the moon. 

The streets have become quiet again, at night and the ancestor's spirits are all gone.

Now, I can get my work done early and, be home before midnight.  Yeah !

Yonabaru Tug-O-War 5 Motion GIFs

 A Centuries Old Tradition

 

 

 

This tsunahiki (tug-o-war) has been going on in Okinawa, Japan for over 400 years.

And, there were probably 10,000 or more participants on the field, yesterday.

Here's a peek, at what, I saw through the camera viewfinder, before the tug started.

Just like anywhere else in the Ryukyu islands, the rope comes in two sections.

The ropes were carried in a procession, with royalty being carried on top.

The teams, challenging each other come from the east or, west sides of town.

The folks, riding the ropes, wear period costumes from the old Ryukyu Dynasty.

Once the parade entered the field, I followed them inside, to get a closer look.

There was a pretty lively crowd crowd in there.

For a second or two, I wished the cameras would have stayed at home.

All these gals, wearing summer kimonos were dancing and chanting.

And, some of them were offering me cups of, whatever they were drinking.

Dang.  I like drinking but, I had work to do.

So, I politely turned down the drink and just did a little dance with them.

While they were laughing, they quit flapping their arms around and, quit wiggling.

That gave me a chance, to zoom-in and get this shot.

This shows the wooden pole, used to join the two ropes together.

Coverage of This Event Requires a Team

 

 

This year, I got in with the crowd. The tug, started rather quickly.

That was when, I decided, it was time to climb a building, in order to view the rope.

By the time, I found enough elevation, the tug was over.

Next year, I know exactly where, I want to be, to catch that part of the event.


The Ryukyu Shimpo posted this video from 2011 on YouTube.

It gives an excellent presentation of the sights and sounds, you would encounter.

Read the Ryukyu Shimpo article (English) for more information.

A Sailing Sabani Boat Dog Presented in Motion GIFs

When I first met this gal, she wasn't too fond of me.

Her owner, Takashi, calls her his daughter, Maruko and takes good care of her.

If you haven't already noticed, she's wearing a lifejacket.

The dog can probably swim OK but,  it's a good idea to keep her floating high in the water.

That way, if a sabani boat capsizes, at sea, maybe, the straw hat will stay dry.

Maruchan and I spent a whole weekend, riding boats together, back in June.

Whenever the sabani boats were practicing or, racing, she rode along with me.

We were on a fishing vessel escorting the boats during the races.

While I was shooting the cameras, she would be at my feet.

The dog figured out, my sense of hearing, isn't that great, I guess.

We became friends.

And, when I try to take her picture now, look what she does.

She keeps looking around, to make sure nobody is sneaking up behind me !

Is that a cool dog or, what ?

Aboard Okinawa's Queen Zamami High Speed Ferry

Motion GIFs Display the Action

 

 

The trip on this boat, going from Naha to the Kerama Islands is fast.

In less than an hour, after leaving Tomarin Port, you can set feet on Zamami-jima.

Some travelers, go below and stay in the air-conditioned spaces.

But, I like to hangout in the fresh air and watch normal people doing touristy things.

Those folks, staying down below and, watching TV, just don't know what they missed.

Related Post

12 Photos from the 2014 Zamami Jima Sailing Sabani Race

Caterpillars Spotted Out Back Today

Two Motion GIFs

 

 

It's been awhile since I've run across one of these caterpillars.

The last time was in February of 2012 and, that was at a waterfall up north.

Now, it looks like they're starting to fancy city life.

When I ran to change cameras and get another lens, this guy disappeared.

Luckily, I spotted another one probably a different breed.

But, it was just as entertaining.

The pavement, out behind my office looks like a murder scene.

I'm hoping nobody calls the police before I get it cleaned up.

Did you ever try shooting a camera while crawling around on elbows and knees ?

May 2014 Full Moon and Clouds in Motion GIFs

This was what the moon looked like on the 14th of May.

Fast moving clouds over Okinawa, were a blessing and a curse.

The moon was only visible for a few seconds at a time.

But, I'm glad, I went out to shoot early.

The next night, black clouds kept the moon hidden until way past bedtime.

Somebody has to support the local brewery.

So, that's what, I went and did !