Sagicho 2008

This was my third year in a row going to the Sagicho festival here in Hirata. Probably a testament to how long I've been on the JET Program now is how familiar something like the ritualistic burning of huge floats made of bamboo seems. This year was no different than the last two, with tons of spectators, participants drunk enough to endure the flames, and fires big enough and loud enough to keep everyone interested. I was happy again that a large group of Westerners made the long trip to Hirata and enjoyed the day with me.

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