Summer Festival in Makino

During my first week in Japan this year, with my new found friends from the seminar house, we explored the areas around the dorm we found a summer festival down a side street. There were a ton of street food and drink vendors side by side up and down the entire street selling various Japanese finger foods and beer. My friends and I immediately picked up some beers and continued down the street deeper into the festival. A bit further there was a small stage that was the center of the festival. I took this picture while they were setting up for a performance that was to happen later that night. Everyone at the festival was very nice even to the large group of foreigners.

We all scream for Ice Cream

I took this picture of a Baskin and Robbins because I thought that it was interesting that an American company for ice cream was so prominent in Japan. I supposes its not a problem that there isn't a large Japan company isn't satisfying the populations ice cream needs. Everyone loves ice cream and when you have 31 flavors, I suppose you know what the people want. Ive seen a couple Baskin Robbins in my journeys in Japan and even stopped in to grab myself some tasty creamed ice. I don't see any difference in the product from America. My advice if you come across a B&R would be to stop n get yourself some frozen tasty treats!

Higher and Higher

At the top of the seventh floor of the huge mall in Umeda called Hep 5, there isn't a roof but instead a Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel rises a couple of more stories above the already tall building. In America, I have seen Ferris wheels in buildings and malls but never on the outside of the roof. Since I hate Ferris wheels I decided not to try this out. A decision I feel very good about!

Kiddy Casino?

While in an arcade in Hirakata-Shi, which is half arcade - half slot machines, I was astonished to see two young boys playing the slots. These boys were definitely not anywhere near any gambling age I know of. I decided to take a picture of the scene so I took a candid camera shot and quickly pretended to be making a phone call right after. I thought to myself that it was pretty obvious that these boys shouldn't be playing these games. My feelings were sad that instead of playing the video games these kids were being taught/programmed at a young age to spend their time and money on gambling. I'm sure that when these boys grow up they will have working there way to the pachino parlor next door to spend more of there money on.

Mexican Festival

Here's something you wouldn't expect to see in Japan. I went to a Mexican Festival in Umeda the other day that my Mexican friend informed me about. The festival was in Umeda. A friend told me that the festival was free and that the food was going to be free food! With the promise of free tacos I was quite excited and decided not to eat the entire day until the festival. When we arrived I found it to actually be a pseudo festival! The food was slim pickings and extremely expensive. There was only about four small tent shops selling various Mexican items. The best part of this "festival" was the main stage. On the main stage was an assortment of Japanese people, in traditional Mexican clothing, some white foreigners and a few Mexican people. The people on stage were dancing to the song "YMCA" by the Village People.

Okonomiwhat?

Its Okonomiyaki time in Osaka!
While taking in the sights in Namba, I went with some friends to a Okonomiyaki restaurant.
Okonomiyaki, which I am told literally means "Cook what you want/like", is a pancake like delicious creation that can have various ingredients such as cabbage, eggs, carrots, peas, and well anything else you would like to throw in there. The Okonomiyaki batter is like a pancake batter. The most common toppings for Okonomiyaki are, shrimp, squid, pork, and egg. I strongly suggest trying Okonomiyaki at your nearest opportunity!