Since I chose to look for a job instead of focusing on my Tokyo Stories assignment I will detail the first day of my part time job. Having experience teaching aquatics classes, I began working with children teaching English and swimming at the Kugahara Swimming Club.
My first day of work was also my coworker, Tomo's, birthday so I was invited along with the other coworker to his home for his birthday party. At the party I felt quite at home. Just like a party in Georgia, we consumed lots of steak, beer, and interesting conversation, most of which was in Japanese, of course. With the small amount of Japanese I could gather, I learned that there would be a small local matsuri that same night.
I thought, "what a perfect opportunity to observe a real Japanese festival". Little did I know that I would become part of the spectacle. While recording the events with my iPhone (I neglected to bring my camera with me) I was pulled into the parade and found myself underneath a mini shrine. I'm still not sure why it is labeled "mini' because according to Tomo, it weighs as much as a small sedan. I had bruises to prove it.
Regardless of the weight and half squat position I was forced to maintain, probably due to the average height difference I have with most Japanese, I had a great time. I think the free beer and food at the end of the festival also helped.
Here is the link to the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dMODRRwWtk
In the video; Tomo Endo, his family, our coworker Steve, and I are waiting on the street outside of the Endo's home watching the approaching shrine festival. It's about 8min and towards the end I am pulled in to help carry the "mini" shrine.
On a last note, regarding the video; I apologize for the quality and filming style. It was an iPhone and towards the end I'm not sure who was in control of it. :P
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