As the rainy season is coming to an end, groups walk through the city streets chanting, drumming, and pulling decorated floats. They pray for the continued safety of Japan as well as a variety of other things.
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This past week was ... blurred. I'm staying busy at school and it's showing. I felt myself go into 'zombie mode' this week. It's like I had hyper-focus. I had an extra long to-do list. Somehow, I managed. Everything on my list was taken care of and before I knew it the week was over.
As efficient as my 'zombie mode' is, it's not actually enjoyable. I remember getting this way in high school and college whenever I stretched myself too thin. Everything I needed to do would get done and at the end I would wonder, How'd I do it? It's not a great feeling.
As I was getting ready to head into Kokura on Saturday afternoon, I could feel myself coming out of my 'zombie mode'. I was more relaxed and definitely more present. I was making an effort to let myself enjoy an evening with my co-workers. It's been about a month and a half since I've seen other company ALTs. I'd been looking forward to this outing since I heard about it a couple of weeks ago.
The plan was for us to meet at Nishi-Kokura Station, walk around Kokura Castle viewing the taiko drumming and decorated floats, and then head to a restaurant for dinner and drinks.
Here's how it went ...
Earlier in the day I had worked an English Camp for about 48 elementary school students. When I finally got back to my apartment, I took a quick shower, napped, and changed into jeans before heading into Kokura.
I met up with the other ALTs and office staff at Nishi-Kokura Station. From there, we walked to the Riverwalk and Kokura Castle. We walked through the lines of festival vendors and watched all the different groups carry their decorated floats. Hearing the taiko drumming and the chants is really neat. It definitely feels festive and I always want to cheer them on even though I have no idea what they're saying.
Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017
Pineapple Yakitori Vendor, Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017
I absolutely love pineapple on a stick. It's one of my favorite festival foods. I didn't get it this time around, but I'm planning to get it when I got to Fukuoka to see the fireworks show. I'm looking forward to it.
Rows of Vendors, Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017
For me, the highlight of the festival was not the drumming and chanting, it was running into my students from last year. I was lucky enough to have a few different encounters with my 3rd year students who are now all 1st year high school students. I was so happy to see them and it definitely made my night. Also, on Friday I was able to see some of my 3rd year students from last year as well. I was so thrilled to see them that I stayed later than I was intending to and had to take a later bus home. It was well worth it.
Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017
Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017
Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017
Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017
Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017
Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017
Kankoku Shokudo Dejiburu, Kokura
After walking around the festival, we all headed to a Korean BBQ restaurant where we had dinner reservations. It was absolutely delicious and I seriously want to go back. The main course was pork & veggie lettuce wraps. It was perfect because I didn't have to worry about eating around any kind of bread. I loved it!
Kankoku Shokudo Dejiburu, Kokura
Kokura Gion Daiko Festival 2017
After our 90 minutes of food and drinks were up, we all headed to the Lucky Moon bar. The Lucky Moon is one of my favorite places because it's foreigner friendly. The inside reminds me of a log cabin and I swear the same bartender, Riki, is always there. I like going there whenever we have work events. My drink of choice is a tequila tonic (テキーラトニツク).
The Lucky Moon Bar, Kokura
テキーラトニツク , Tequila Tonoic
As we were walking to the Lucky Moon, I found myself in the middle of one of the drumming groups. One of the members came up to me and started a conversation. Before I knew it I had taiko drum sticks in my hand and was playing one of the drums. All I remember hearing is him saying, "1 ... 2 ... 1 ... 2." I guess that's how I was keeping the rhythm. It was absolutely hilarious and so much fun. I think what made it so great was how unexpected it all was. After I had my turn on the drums, I motioned for the other ALTs to join and some of them gave it a try. As we were thanking them for letting us play, I asked if we could take a picture with one of them. Take a look ...
After a couple of tequila tonics, I paid my tab and left for the train station. I took the last train out of Kokura and actually had a seat for ride back to Orio. I put my headphones in, set an alarm, and closed my eyes. The ride back is about 30 minutes.
When I got back to Orio around midnight, I stopped by FamilyMart for a latte and a donut. It's my go to "tipsy food" combo. It's absolutely delicious!
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So as wild as this past week was, I'm happy I had it. Whenever I start to get flustered or unsure about what I'm doing here, I remind myself that I'm living in Japan and doing exactly what I want to be doing at this point in my life. It's not always picture perfect like I would like it to be, but it's mine and that's what's important. I've said this before and I know I'll say it again, but ...
One day I'm going to be homesick for Japan and a lifestyle (teaching English as an expat) I used to have.
Knowing that there is a time limit on my stay in Japan helps keep me focused on not taking any of this for granted. This is an experience that I'm so glad to be having.
