August Full Moon Over Okinawa

 Last Night of Obon

For those unfamiliar with local customs, Okinawa, Japan has a three-day holiday called Obon.

It is believed that the spirits of the deceased visit their family during this time.

The light of the full moon guides them back to the heavens.

 The weather had us worried because clouds and rain periodically ruined the view.

At 10 minutes past 8 PM the shutter was snapped on the scene.

August 2021 Comes to an End

 The Blog Has Been Waiting

We've been extremely busy in Okinawa doing things like Social Distancing er, People Avoidance.

Coronavirus has the whole world doing things a little bit differently. Will it ever end?

Most mornings I'm out of the house with the cameras way before sunrise. 

The idea is to get some nature photos, upper body exercise, and 10,000 steps done prior to noon.

The sun can be brutal on this island during the summer months.  It'll tan your hide.

Fridays I get to leave town and do some traveling. 

For those who haven't seen me in a while, here's a peek at my foot.

The lighting (in the sky) was horrible at this attraction so, I pointed my lens towards the ground.

This is a place, I call, the Big Bird Tower in Hedo.

A discovery made, at the parking area below the Big Bird, was this Okinawa Tree Lizard.

For the past four Fridays, I've been back shooting this lizard and some companion critters.

A Parting Shot

The weather towards the end of the month had me a bit worried. Would we see the full moon?

It was the weekend of Obon. Okinawan spirits return to their family homes.

On the final evening, they return to the heavens, under the light of the full moon.

The sky was cloudy. It was windy. From the roof of my house a quick snap of the shutter.

Minutes later there was no moon to be seen. End of August Report 

A Second Visit to Neo Park in Nago Okinawa Japan

Bird Show Is a Must See

On the first visit to this attraction, I forgot all about the bird show advertised on TV.

So, a week later, the second trip to Neo Park was made.

At the ticket counter, the gal told me 11:00 and 14:30 were the showtimes.

With an hour to kill, I wandered around and spotted this brilliantly colored bird.

After returning home, I found out this bird is an endangered species.

More about the Gray crowned crane at National Geographic.

Four or five different birds were displayed, flying from one handler to another.

They fly low, so close to the audience, I thought someone might get hit in the head.

Now, I know why they insisted I sit down on a bench to take photos.

It was so hot and humid (that day) one raptor refused to cooperate and stayed in a tree!

Someday, I'll go back and get better photos, when the light is right and it's cooler outside.

It's best to check the Neo Park website before planning a trip up there.

It closed for two days due to the typhoon but, Google Maps wasn't notified.

Also, Neo Park has an Instagram Photo Contest you may want to check out.

The website may be switched to the English language for information.

Obon in Okinawa Is Here Now Without the Eisa

This is the first year (I can think of) that Eisa got canceled during Obon.

So, I blew a wad of money to get a children's book, to take home.

Inside, you'll discover it has English, Japanese, and Uchinaguchi (Okinawan dialect).

But, my favorite part is this:

Open some of the pages (wide) and the Eisa characters pop-up in your house!

If, you can't find the book at a local gift shop, Google It.

ISBN978-4-9906517-1-8

Well, I have things to do. Happy September and stay safe during this typhoon.

Final Night of Obon 2019 in Okinawa

Full Moon and Eisa

Just a quick post to show some of last night's activity under the August full moon.

This photo was taken shortly after 8 PM with 420 MM worth of lens on the Pentax K1.

Before leaving the house to chase Eisa, I climbed up on the roof for this shot.

That way, the heavy lens, and tripod could be left behind, to lighten my load.

This group was performing in a parking lot, as I climbed the hill into town.

Recently, children may be seen dancing and drumming along with the Eisa teams.

Some of them have uniforms, just like the big guys.

In town, you could hear the music and feel the ground shake.

If there was an award for the best jumping act by an Eisa team, these guys would win!

By 11 PM I was exhausted from watching Eisa and headed home.

Of course, all that work made me hungry so, I grabbed a chicken salad going out of town.

10 Images from First 2 Days of Obon

When Ancestors Spirits Visit

The past few evenings I've been out chasing the Eisa teams in Kin Town.

A few times the moon at less than 100% full, peeked through the clouds.

Tonight is the final evening of Obon and, the full moon, as well.

Here's a shot of the moon taken from my house on the 13th of August 2019.

Not completely round, it's at about 98% full but, I figured it would be best to capture now.

A typhoon to the north has been bringing plenty of clouds over our island.

Eisa photography actually began in the afternoon, where these characters performed.

It was at the old folks home in my neighborhood and the team was well received.

It would be after 9 PM before I saw any Eisa groups downtown

Notice, some little tykes are part of the Eisa crowd these days. 

It seems there are too many old folks and, not enough youngsters to perform Eisa these days!

The Chondara (sort of a clown) entertains those on the sidelines.

They also, bring cold drinks to the Eisa dancers, to keep them energized on these hot nights.

Narrow, dark streets are light up by floodlights on vehicles accompanying the Eisa groups.

Sometimes, the lighting blinds the dancers and photographers, too.

Close to 10:30 PM this dancer was well lighted in front of a white background.

He's performing in front of a restaurant, so new, I haven't figured out what it is named, yet.

Last night's moon was at a bit over 99% full so, I grabbed this shot, while I could.

The moon will be full at around 9:30 tonight but, may not appear over Okinawa.

Wait and see.

It's a good thing those drums are loud. We wouldn't want to see anyone fall asleep.

Look at the little guy (upfront), his eyes are wide open. It's past 10:30 PM.

Some of the most energetic Eisa drummers you'll ever see, perform with this group.

They really know how to jump and shout.

Close to midnight, I photographed this Chondara and, got thinking.

It would be best, to hurry home and get some sleep.

That way, I'd be refreshed for the final night of moon and Obon photography.

To be continued.....

August 2018 Full Moon - End of Okinawa Obon

Moonlight for Ancestral Spirits Journey 

Okinawa's Obon season is planned around events of the Lunar calendar. 

It is believed the full moon is the best time for departed spirits to return to the heavens.

Eisa bands played in the distance when I noticed the moon appear from behind clouds.

My camera was equipped with a 15-30 MM lens as I planned festival photography.

The odds of seeing the moon, during this stormy period, were not good.

That helped me make the decision to hike and get a longer lens.

Walking quickly to the office, I kept my eye on the clouds and moon.

A big lens and tripod would be required to take this shot.

At 7:50 PM, in front of my office, I peered through 700 MM of a lens and snapped this photo.

Then, swapped the lens for a 15-30 MM and went searching for Eisa.

Far in the distance, a few times, I heard the drums but, wasn't going to walk far.

Occasional rain showers kept me ducking in and out of doorways.

By midnight I gave up and headed home. Eisa drums could be heard in the distance.

As late as 1 PM they were dancing out there somewhere. I got my moon shot.

I was glad. I went to bed.

Obon Eisa in Kin Town

Welcoming the Spirits

Young Eisa dancers, drummers, and sanshin players are busy, day and night during Obon.

A few photos were taken of the first night's activities, greeting the ancestors.

Photographers get busy during this season as well. So, I'm sorta in a rush.

Shortly after 9 PM, the drumbeats, chants, and music filled the air in Kin Town.

Some people may recognize the landmarks in this photo.

The new King Tacos is a popular fast food joint with locals and tourists.

Just a bit further down the street is the Japanese restaurant Jin Jin.

Photography at night can be a real challenge, shooting the Eisa groups.

Trucks with bright floodlights illuminate the dancers, from both ends of the street.

This group only had one truck, lighting up the dancers.

The only way to capture them was to move down the street past the Jin Jin.

It was shortly past 9:30 PM when this Eisa team showed up.

Actually, I was headed downhill towards home and, I'm glad I decided to return.

Bright lights from only one end of the road, made shooting a bit easier.

Trying to catch the light in that girl's eyes, I must have taken 100 photos.

We'll save a few of them in case she'd like a print. I don't know who she is.

But, this is a small town so, somebody will come along and educate me.

Tropical storms have been blowing by the island lately and dropping scattered rain.

So, any chance to see these performers and photograph them is precious.

It was almost 10 PM and I was on the backroads heading home when I saw this.

Right outside the driveway to my house, the first Eisa team showed up again.

Weather permitting, after tonight's Eisa photography there's one more event.

The full moon signals the end of Obon festivities and ancestors return to the heavens.

So, I plan on going out there with some long lenses, to see what I can catch!

Eisa in Front of an Irish Pub Named Bingo's

Eisa Dance in Kin Town Okinawa

This will be another quick blog post, as it's full moon night and, I have work to do.

Thunderstorms passed through the island, earlier today and, it's still cloudy.

Hopefully, the clouds will break and the Obon full moon may appear.

Going out with a heavy lens for awhile, I'll see if, I can catch it.

Then, it's  back out in the streets with a wide angle lens for the final night of Eisa.

And, when the shooting is complete, I may visit Bingo's Pub, to tip a few !

Two Animations of Eisa in Kin Town - Obon 2017

Before Midnight

Many areas were visited during daylight hours by the Eisa groups.

During the day, I'm usually busy with other things and, don't hang around this part of town.

This Kin Eisa gang showed up near my watering holes before midnight.

It Began Raining

Rain might slow them down but, it didn't stop them from performing and smiling.

With the heat and humidity, we've had lately, I think they enjoyed the showers.

Out there following them around, until two this morning, the rain felt great, to me.

While developing these photos, I heard Eisa, down the street and, captured a few more images.

But, they won't be processed or, downloaded until tomorrow.

Out the door, I'm going to chase Eisa dancers, again tonight. Standby for more...

Obon 2017 Means Some Late Night Photography

Eisa in Kin Town

Just a quick post of an iPhone photo taken last night and, I have to hit the road again.

Obon sneaked up on me this year. It was one minute past midnight when this image was taken.

Tonight, I'll take the Pentax and a wide angle lens, to catch some of the activities.

The wife is off to help the clan do cooking and, I hear the drums outside now.

Over the next few evenings, I'll see how many Eisa dancers can be caught.

Standby for more...

Okinawa Obon Eisa at Night

5 Animated GIFs of Evening Dancing

 

 

The streets were alive with music and chants this week and, there's more to come.

It would be impossible to photograph them all but, I gave it about 5000 attempts.

 The girls dance to the rhythm in kimonos and flip-flops.

Energetic drummers, dance and, jump into the air. 

In the early hours, you may see children, costumed and, dancing with their parents.

Some folks, might say, the music is loud enough to wake the dead.

Well, it's a festival, held yearly, to welcome the ancestral spirits back home !

Wednesday night was Ukui (last day of Obon) and, the spirits departed for the heavens.

Catching up on photo processing, I'll be taking the night off and, relaxing.

Tomorrow night, there's a festival, going on in Kin Town.

And, I'll be out shooting Eisa groups, all over again !

It Started at a Gas Station

My Night's Work

 

 

Drums could be heard all day but, I didn't head out with the camera until 4:30PM.

The Nakagawa Eisa group was supposed to dance here, around 5PM and, I got there early.

It's a good thing. They would be done dancing and chanting before five o'clock.

Quickly, I put this animated GIF together and, will be heading downtown again, shortly.

The first day of Obon, in Okinawa is called, Unke.

The ancestral spirits are welcomed home to a feast and festivities.

The young Eisa groups will probably be out dancing throughout the night.

So, I'm going to out and see how many, I can capture with the camera and lens.

Sometimes, I wish, someone with a video camera would come along with me.

The video function, on my cameras, never gets turned on because, that's not my style.

Thet gal in the striped, chondara uniform can whistle like, you wouldn't believe.

She sounds like a whippoorwill on steroids !

Looking Forward to AUG 2016 Full Moon

Hope for Clear Skies

 

 

Tomorrow Obon Season starts and, lasts for the next three days.

Like many activities on island, this event is scheduled according to the Lunar calendar.

Tonight, after 5:30 I went out and shot the moon, to create this animated GIF.

The moon isn't quite full yet but, it will be soon. 

If, you're in the Ryukyu Island Chain, I can give you 3 good reasons to get out at night. 

1:  It's lots cooler outdoors, after the blazing sun goes down.

2:  Eisa groups will be out, dancing, chanting, whistling and beating drums.

3:  If you're lucky and, in the right position, you might be able to catch them under the full moon.

Here's some links, giving the August 2016 full moon schedule:

Farmer's Almanac says it will be at 5:26AM on AUG 18.

Moongiant gives us, AUG 18 at 09:27 UTC.

Space.com 

Has the full moon listed on AUG 18th and, says this:

"It will peak at 5:27 a.m. EDT (0927 GMT), but will appear full to the casual stargazer a day prior and after the peak day."

Time and Date says, the full moon will be on AUG 18th at 18:26.

Check all the resources for the best time, to view the moon at your location.

A Little Tip

The wife has a Chinese/Lunar calendar, hanging on the fridge and, I always mark it.

It says the full moon, this month, is on the 17th of August.

Wednesday night is the last day of Obon in Okinawa and, the ancestors, return to the heavens.

The spirits, depart under the light of the full moon.

Can you guess what I'll be doing the night of the 17th ?

Maybe, doing stuff like, pretending to be a casual stargazer, the night prior to the moon's peak !

 

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 !

During Obon Eisa Drums Will Be Heard Day and Night

Obon Season in Okinawa 26-28 AUG 2015

 

 

This image was created at the Kin Town Eisa Matsuri earlier this month.

Okinawa.s Obon begins tomorrow and, lasts through Friday of this week.

The young people doing the performances may be seen and heard just about anywhere.

 During daylight hours hospitals, day care centers and shopping malls are popular.

Evenings, the drums and shouts of the Eisa dancers are heard on many of the back-roads. 

Often, they are out there dancing until way past midnight.

With the passing of Typhoon Goni, we may begin to see some clear skies.

If no more rain falls, some photos of the full moon above the dancers may be possible.

Obon in Okinawa Ended with the Full Moon

Two Final Motion GIFs of the Action

Guys beat the drums energetically while chanting.

Girls chanted while Eisa dancing, too.

There was so much excitement and partaking of spirits, it wore me out.

So, after shooting the moon last night, I went home.

And, was probably snoring, before the ancestral spirits departed, going back to the other world.