Flash of Red

In Harajuku, I was lucky enpugh to go to my first 'Flickr Meet', arranged by Dave golden from California. Thanks, Dave, it was a great time!

Multiple Explosions

More fantastic fireworks followed, to the delight of the thousands assembled there.

Waiting for the Fireworks to Start

Another trip to the sea, fresh breezes cooling the summer air.

Yukata in the Sunset

Another trip was to Kisarasu, for the fireworks there. Girls in beautiful summer yukatas were everywhere, in a tradition that lives on.

Tanabata Matsuri Decorations

Lanterns and origamio decorated whole swarths of the city, like a fantasy-land come to life.

What's That, Grandpa?

The wonder of Tanabata festival, which I went all the way to Sendai for. Tohoku festivals are an amazing sight.

Electric Lights

We were dazzled, we were astonished- we were, in short, highly impressed.

Fractal Fireworks

Seen afterwards on the camera screen, this explosion shows it's fractal design- somthing light an electrical fir-tree, dancing in the night sky, before winking out of our dimention for evermore.

Birth of a Galaxy

The displays were just stunning, seemingly depicting the vivid life of the sosmos, right here before us. Gasps of astonishment cooed out with each colourful climax.

Summer Fireworks Explosions

Summer brings another kind of flower to Japan- these 'fire-flowers' of the river-side fireworks displays. Finding the perfect spot seemed to be virtually impossible, but we did find a good one, from where we could enjoy the blazes of light and colour, as well as the magical atmosphere they bring along.

Yukata and Keitai

It is great to bask in the dreams of a forgotten era, but modern life does bring it's conveniences too- you are never lost in a crowd these days, with mobile phones at hand. Keitai and kimono (actually it is really a yukata, lighter and easier to wear, so better for the summer heat), could be called convenience and kimono!

The girls looked beautiful wearing them

Kashiwa Festival Dancing 3

So people danced the night away, to the beat of the taiko drummers.

Kashiwa Festival Crowds

I had never seen Kashiwa so crowded- you could hardly move and the atmosphere was electric.

Kashiwa Festival Nebuta

Nebuta Festivalesque floats were there to be seen. A taste of the magic of summer in the Northeast region of Japan came with them, much to the delight of the gathered crowds.

Kashiwa Festival Dancing 1

Summer is a time for festivals in Japan, and this one was no exception. The wild dancing near the omikoshi, to the beat of taiko drums, had to be seen to be believed.

Plum Bloosom Girl

With the spring blossoms, also come beautiful girls in yukatas to celebrate them. This girl is holding some momo-nohana, or peach blossoms, that we saw near the balloons.

New Year's Kimono

Nothing can welcome in the new year like a kimono, a splash of colour on this evening.

Kimonos in Kashiwa

One of my favourite "Kimonos in Kashiwa" photos. the colourful menu in the background is typical of Kashiwa, also known as 'little Shibuya' for it's funky styles. Somehow, the vividly coloured kimonos are the perfect match.

By the Crossing

Coming of Age Day is only once a year, but a time when there is a sea of kimonos throughout Japan. I took this and other photos in Kashiwa City. Thanks to the girls for being such great models and their spirit of fun!

Washing Hands

New years is a time for prayers for good fortune in Japan. Here a family wash their hands as they go into the shrine.