http://traveling-tengco.blogspot.com/2010/09/misawa-summer-festival.html
Good pictures &Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Misawa Summer Festival

Saturday, August 21: Mikoshi Carry

Misawa city’ s annual four-day summer festival lasted from Aug. 19 
to Aug. 22. The parade route snakes through the downtown district, 
on “White Pole Road,” and passes American Park in front of Misawa 
Air Base. As with all matsuris that meander in front of the base, 
the front gate will be closed (17:00 to 21:00 on Friday; 15:00 to 
21:00 on Saturday; and 13:00 to 15:00 on Sunday) for automobiles 
but open to foot traffic. Levitow Gate and the POL Gate will be 
open for vehicle traffic.


Each night of the parade varies slightly.

Thursday: Parade floats are on display at the Miss 
Veedol Dome at 17:00. Drum and flute competition 
follows at 18:00.

Friday: Floats will be paraded through downtown 
Misawa from 16:00 to 19:15.

Saturday: Traditional Japanese arts on display in 
American Park beginning at 13:00. A costume parade 
begins at 15:00, followed by a dance parade at 
16:30, and hand-carried portable shrines (mikoshi) 
at 17:30 p.m.

Sunday: A repeat of Friday’s parade begins at 13:30.


Going out every weekend with children and battling 
with crowds through humidity has tired me out. Even 
though this parade was in our town, we only managed 
to attend the festivities Saturday night because Kyle 
participated in the mikoshi carry. If it weren’t for 
the heat wave, we probably would have gone to seen 
the floats displayed. Actually, by this time, almost 
all summer festival parades seem to contain the same 
components – entourage of dancers, men dressed in 
women's attire, and portable shires.


The costume parade on Saturday for some reason had 
Disney-themed participants. I don’t quite understand 
all the men dressed in drag during the parades. I 
know in old kabuki theatre, men played female roles 
too. Anyway, I wish I had taken more photos of the 
playful, wacky attire, but alas, I was maneuvering 
my double stroller and trying to secure a position 
where the kids and I could see Kyle in the parade.


More interesting than the parade were the activities 
that followed. All mikoshi participants gathered for
a show-down at American Park. They transported the 
shrine to the circular stage, then proceeded to dance 
and spin it upon their shoulders wildly to music. 
Deafening whistles blowing and boisterous chants 
ensued as spectators cheered for their favorite groups. 
After several spin demonstrations, the Misawa International 
Association, with its base contestants, won the competition. text