Himeco Sai

June 20, 2008

Friday and Saturday were very busy days at my high school. The annual school festival was on. Many days of preparation lead up to it...

On Monday, I received this booklet telling me all about the events for the days ahead.

On Tuesday, you had to pre buy your tickets for what you wanted to eat on Friday or Saturday. This got a bit tricky as I was not to be there on Saturday (we went to Shirashi Island that weekend)). I had to ask the students what they were cooking and on which day before I could buy.
This is the student body out on the field buying and selling tickets

Some of them wore costumes (click on the picture). The red thing is an octopus for takoyaki.

These were my tickets. Starting from top left: cookies and a tart, crispy cheese, popcorn (coco, green tea, carmel or salt & butter), and dango (like mochi on a stick but given a topping. I picked coco and soy bean powder (tastes like peanut butter)

Friday morning when I arrived at school, this is what I saw

The students were setting up the tents for their area.



Then a mascot appeared.

This was Chacha's favorite mascot while she was here. We saw him all over the Sweets Festival

A couple groups of Kindergartens came to enjoy the school festival
Aren't they cute!!


Then the kindergartens performed several songs and dances



the mascot really got into it

After their performances, they each were escorted around by 2 1st graders. They were not allowed to eat any student prepared food, but there were games for them to play.

Popcorn stand
Everyone was given a playing card to wear (red for girls, black for boys). You had to find your match (I was red 4 of diamonds, I had to find the black 4 of diamonds) and then you could get your picture taken. One of the 2nd graders made this.

Many cultural clubs were to perform on Saturday but since I wasn't going to be there, I went to watch the rehearsals. This is the Koto club. They make beautiful music.


Dango
The Koren food area
More food
Takoyaki
More takoyaki

Tofu donuts. These were actually very good. I am going to make them back home for anyone who asks.
Here in Japan Dunkin Donuts is called Mister Donuts. This 2nd grade class that was making the tofu donuts decided to name their booth Mrs. Donuts.
The donut group
This little girl kept following me around so I finally asked if I could take her picture. She was very happy to oblige
Crispy cheese
It was a great experience to see all the kids partaking such an active role in their own festival. I am amazed at how involved Japanese students are in everything they do.