Summer here may be hard to bear in terms of the heat and humidity, but it's one of the most vibrant and exciting times of year in Japan, when the entire country comes alive with traditional festivals and sake-induced celebrations! Last weekend it was Fukuoka's turn to put on the party, an event that's been attracting attention for over 700 years: Hakata Gion Yamakasa. Preparations for this annual extravaganza had been under way for the past two weeks, explaining why during her stay here my friend Liesbeth was faced with half-naked men appearing everywhere! 
It seems not only sumo wrestlers have the privilege of wearing shimekomi (loin cloths), that right is also reserved to the thousands of male participants in the Yamakasa race. Too bad that in order to witness all these bare bums carrying decorative floats one has to get up at 3.30 am to get ready for the 4.59am start... I guess we all know by know that indulging in sleep-ins is not a passtime in this country! Eager to be cultured gaijins Vaughan & I set off on our bikes and met Yukino and her friend Emi by 4.15. We didn't have the best spot and so couldn't experience the action up close, but it was inspiring enough for us to decide to come again next year & secure a better view. After all, how often in this well-ordered, restrained society do you get to see grown, sober men embrace franticness like that; quite a unique sight...
Vaughan, Emi & Yukino bright and early in the morning
Our view was rather limited but we got to see lots of keitais (cellphones)!
Largest float, weighing about 500 kg and with several men on top
Spectator in yukata
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