Japanese Summer Festival

© Coloring by Yasuko Hirukawa & Drawing by Motoko Shimizu.

Japanese Summer festiva! People gather in their local communities and enjoy Bon dancing to rhythmic music, stroll around in a light summer kimono (yukata) , eat different foods offered at stalls, and cheer at fireworks. 

Suika-wari (watermelon-cracking) in Color!

Suika-wari (watermelon-cracking)

* For coloring fun!

Japan has many wonderful beaches since it is surrounded by the sea. Suika-wari (watermelon-cracking) is one of the most popular of beach games: a person with a stick is blindfolded, spun around a few times, then guided by the audiences' directions towards the watermelon. Everyone gets one swing, and whoever cracks it open, wins. Of course, participants eat the watermelon after the game!! © Motoko Shimizu