SUMMER FIESTA

I have been living and traveling around Japan for almost a decade. My passion for cooking and food is second to none. I have worked as a freelance translator, interpreter, and writer since 2009. In 2017, I published my first book about Japanese food and traveling tips, “Adventure Japan”.

Summertime is calling and the melodious sounds of flutes and drums are beckoning from afar. People are gathering at their neighbourhood jinjya (Shinto shrine) to celebrate bon odori (a summer dance festival). Honouring past traditions, the old and the young dress up in yukata (casual summer kimono). Parents are chatting with their childhood friends and neighbours while their children are running around with their familiar playmates. These snatched moments reveal the quintessential sense of community imbued in the Japanese culture. The appeal of the bon odori extends far beyond an appreciation of the old tradition – it also celebrates the art of washoku (Japanese cuisine). From the entrance of the jinjya to the main venue, there is a vast array of yatai (food stalls) serving light meals and grab-and-go snacks. Yatai must-haves include takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pancake), yakisoba (fried buckwheat noodles), and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) to name a few. Savouring a variety of festive feasts while observing the interactions among locals is an unforgettable way to spend time on a hot summer day.