Mikoshi and BBQ

by Tokyo Terrace on September 8, 2009

Boy and Mikoshi

Over this Labor Day Weekend in the U.S., countless BBQ’s and other get togethers took place. Thousands of bratwursts, hot dogs, and hamburgers were made. The last boat rides of the summer were taken, and the beginning of fall was celebrated. This time of year is always monumental, especially in Minnesota, as it signifies the end of the State Fair!

Lanterns

While we did not exactly celebrate Labor Day here in Japan, we did celebrate the merging of cultures in Jiyugaoka. Dressed in “happy coats” and head bands, a celebration of sorts took place and opened our eyes to a new side of this place we call home (for now.)

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Jiyugaoka is an area of Tokyo that celebrates the growing international community. From France, to Venezuela, to Korea and the United States, individuals from all over the world were greeted by members of Jiyugaoka’s government and found themselves the center of attention on Saturday as tey carried a heavy Mikoshi through the streets. Mikoshi are Shinto shrines that are small enough to carry with the help of long pieces of lumber. One day a year, the shrines are lifted by about 20 chanting men and women so the spirits inside the shrines will spread good luck.

Man Pushing

On Saturday, Brad participated in the single Gaijin-only Mikoshi in Japan. I played photographer (a much easier task!) and captured some fun photos of the festivities throughout the 4 hour trek down the narrow streets of Jiyugaoka.

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Carrying Mikoshi test

The Mikoshi was not carried for the entire 4 hours. Various points were set up with food and drinks for the carriers. At these points, the shrine was carefully set down and a brief hiatus from the heavy lifting was allowed. At each of these rest points, both Japanese and Gaijin participants chatted, ate Asian pears and watermelon, and drank beer.

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Awesome Dudes

At the end of the event, the town of Jiyugaoka hosted a free BBQ for the participants. Pork belly and other thin cuts of meat were cooked on the spot along with green peppers and yakisoba. (For more on yakisoba, visit The Shizuoka Gourmet.) With bruised shoulders, Japanese and Gaijin Mikoshi carriers mingled under the tissue paper lanterns.

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The kindness and enthusiasm with which the Jiyugaokans welcomed us and encouraged our participation was moving. In a country where it is virtually impossible to fit in if you are not Japanese, this event was a much needed breath of fresh air. In the smiling faces of old men, young women, and small children, this event marked the beginning of a new year living in Japan; one that I hope will be filled with many more memories such as this.

Check out The Whites in Tokyo for Brad’s take on the day!

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  • Aunt J in Hendersonville

    Enjoyed that little peek into Japanese culture. So proud of – and impressed by – you and Brad. Good for you both for getting out there and experiencing, learning – and obviously enjoying!

  • Aunt J in Hendersonville

    Enjoyed that little peek into Japanese culture. So proud of – and impressed by – you and Brad. Good for you both for getting out there and experiencing, learning – and obviously enjoying!

  • tokyoterrace

    Thanks Aunt J! I’m so happy we are able to share these things with you all so easily. It is obviously not the same as being here, but at least you can imagine where we live and what we are doing. Love you!

  • tokyoterrace

    Thanks Aunt J! I’m so happy we are able to share these things with you all so easily. It is obviously not the same as being here, but at least you can imagine where we live and what we are doing. Love you!

  • http://thewhitesintokyo.wordpress.com/2009/09/06/gaijin-mikoshi-jiyugaoka-2009/ Gaijin Mikoshi Jiyugaoka 2009 « The Whites in Tokyo

    [...] http://tokyoterrace.wordpress.com/2009/09/08/mikoshi-and-bbq/ [...]

  • http://www.minnesotaimage.com/ Jenn

    What a neat experience! Love the photos and the video on Brad’s blog too!

  • http://www.minnesotaimage.com Jenn

    What a neat experience! Love the photos and the video on Brad’s blog too!

  • http://www.alittlebitofchristo.blogspot.com/ doggybloggy

    very cool experience!

  • http://www.alittlebitofchristo.blogspot.com doggybloggy

    very cool experience!

  • http://thescootabaker.blogspot.com/ Scootabaker

    I’m so glad you found me on twitter cause now I’ve found you! What an awesome blog you have to share your “American in Tokyo” experiences with your readers. I will definitely be checking back to see what’s going on in your neck of the world!
    PS- My Labor Day weekend consisted of nothing but sashimi, Belgian beer, and German wine. So not that All-American. Or maybe that is the new “All-American”?!

    Au revoir!

    -heather

  • http://thescootabaker.blogspot.com Scootabaker

    I’m so glad you found me on twitter cause now I’ve found you! What an awesome blog you have to share your “American in Tokyo” experiences with your readers. I will definitely be checking back to see what’s going on in your neck of the world!
    PS- My Labor Day weekend consisted of nothing but sashimi, Belgian beer, and German wine. So not that All-American. Or maybe that is the new “All-American”?!

    Au revoir!

    -heather

  • tokyoterrace

    Thanks Jenn! It was amazing. Definitely like nothing we’ve experienced here before.

  • tokyoterrace

    Thanks Jenn! It was amazing. Definitely like nothing we’ve experienced here before.

  • tokyoterrace

    Thank you! It really was!

  • tokyoterrace

    Thank you! It really was!

  • http://wasabiprime.blogspot.com/ wasabi prime

    What a wonderful festival, and I’m glad they were welcoming to let everyone join in on the ceremony. Cheers to that! Everyone had to come from somewhere, but as long as they stay for the food, it’s all good. Have you been to any of the o-bon festivals? I’ve only been to ones in Los Angeles and Hawaii, but they were things I looked forward to as a kid, and have a sentimental place in my heart now, as some loved ones are no longer with us. It’s such a lovely thing to participate in, a celebration of family, and best of all — THE FOOD. By the way, love the Whites in Tokyo blog — funnah!!

  • http://wasabiprime.blogspot.com wasabi prime

    What a wonderful festival, and I’m glad they were welcoming to let everyone join in on the ceremony. Cheers to that! Everyone had to come from somewhere, but as long as they stay for the food, it’s all good. Have you been to any of the o-bon festivals? I’ve only been to ones in Los Angeles and Hawaii, but they were things I looked forward to as a kid, and have a sentimental place in my heart now, as some loved ones are no longer with us. It’s such a lovely thing to participate in, a celebration of family, and best of all — THE FOOD. By the way, love the Whites in Tokyo blog — funnah!!

  • https://tokyoterrace.com/2011/10/easy-apple-spice-syrup-recipe/ Apple Spice Syrup — Tokyo Terrace

    [...] snapping a couple photos of the passing Mikoshi outside my door, I went back to the apartment where the scent of cinnamon and apples had filled the [...]

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