Instead of class commencing on the 1st of August, my first day of school in Fukuoka kick-started with a yukata and Hanabi Taikai festival.
So what is yukata?
Yukata is also known as summer kimono for many japanese.
"A yukata is a casual kimono-like garment worn during the summer. It’s unlined and usually made of cotton to make the fabric more breathable. As such, yukata are popular for dressing up for summer events like firework festivals."The main difference between a kimono and yukata would be:- kimonos are basically older, more traditional, and more expensive garment. They’re usually made of silk or brocade, have an inner layer and an outer layer, and are worn with at least two collars. While on the other hand, yukatas are more casual and inexpensive garment. They’re typically made of cotton and are meant for wearing in the summer. Yukata are mostly worn by women; however, it’s becoming more popular for young men to also wear them during the summer while attending summer festivals such as the Hanabi Taikai.
Hanabi Taikai (花火大会) is now a popular summer activity in Japan. It is safe to say that summer in Japan isn't complete anymore without experiencing at least one hanabi taikai. Flashback on history, fireworks festival were originally held to ward off evil spirits, however as times goes by, it is now a yearly affair for both Japanese and tourists across Japan to experience during the summer. Going for the Hanabi Taikai gives visitors a chance to doll up in Yukata, enjoy delicious and local Japanese street food, AND, knowing me when there's food high chances are I will always be there. *smirks*
I'm gonna shut up now and let all the pictures do the talking!
Before I got here, my mum used to say that you've never really seen legitimate fireworks until you've seen fireworks in Japan. Of course I didn't believe her.. RIGHT until, I saw all of these beautiful fireworks with my own eyes.
Ending this post with 2 very shameless selfies of my face.
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