Waves

Three years ago, I was able to witness the HamaorisaiFestival. Back then, I promised to be a part of the event every year but that did not happen.  This time though, I and my friends saw to it that we will be there as spectators or photographers, depending on our moods.  Since a strong typhoon had just left Japan, we were expecting the weather to be good. We trooped to Chigasaki Station at 1 am, camped on the beach at 2 am and started taking photos of the event at 430 am. All the things we do in the name of photography.  Craziness.

The procession of mikoshis or portable shrines commenced earlier, around 1 am. As expected, a large crowd was already there. Every spot is occupied, from the devotees to the media and photographers, from locals to tourists. Everyone was in high spirits and was eagerly waiting for the sunrise, for the summer to start.

Lullaby of the Ocean

i sleep

on a sandy crib

watch by two stars

and some planets

like musical mobiles

the curtains above

quickly change

from blue to black to blue

somewhere

i can hear a lullaby

it is without words

like a hum

of a mother

to a child

thumb sucking

the sound grows

louder and drowns

 my spirit

i sleep

on a sandy crib

protected by the mists

coming from the ocean

the lullaby lingers

/totomai

The Hamaorisai Festival is held every third Monday of July. It is also a national holiday in Japan called “Umi-no-hi” or “Ocean Day”.  The devotees started their day minutes after midnight, forgetting on how to sleep just for this event. This is one of my favorite festivals in Japan. 

There are lots of groups participating in the said event.  Each group has a guide to check the current of the ocean and assure its member that it is still safe to walk through the waves.

That particular day, the ocean was pretty rough. It was a struggle for devotees to carry the mikoshis to the sea.  It was also a challenge to the photographers and media documenting the event.

Bringing the portable shrines to the sea is a Japanese way of saying thank you to the gods living there for the continuous blessings. It seems that the farthest the devotees can bring the mikoshis out to the sea, the better.

The dedication and strength of the bearers are admirable. It must be noted that as these mikoshis are heavy. Humps or swelling on the shoulders of the devotees can be seen while they rest or take a dive in the water. But despite of the hardships, you can see a very positive aura on each devotee’s face.

Hamaorisai Festival is not only for adults. There are kids already being exposed by their parents to the tradition.  Perhaps they can represent the coming generation.  And since the location is at the beach, random things are happening at the same time too.

Obviously the crowd enjoyed every second of the festival. I am expecting another large crowd next year.

As for myself, I enjoyed it very much and looks like I am coming back next year. Not a promise this time though.  See me in action as I try to avoid the angry waves.

photo taken by Russel

Also here's a video taken by my friend.  The photos above could never capture the actual experience. Watch it to see how devoted the Japanese are.

Photos taken with Nikon D7000, 
lenses used : 
      Nikkor 18-300mm 3.5f 
      Tamron 11-16 mm 2.8f 

      
/totomai

2015/07/24