Morinosato-Atsugi-Kanagawa-Japan: Obon

The night, I came back during the Bonodori. Many people in ykata dancing around the stage. Some of the little girls had a fan in their obi with a number on it. This was for the dancing contest, the best ones could get some little presents. All of the applicants got a little something for the fun.
Then we had a lottery. I guess each member of the jichikai get a ticket and can then participate. I was talking to some friends so I did not clearly listen what kind of presents you could get. People who were not there to pick up the present would miss it. They were calling new numbers right away. They force people to come to the event in a way. More people there are, more fun it is.
Then the moment that everybody waited for : the hanabi. Sorry no picture because I prefered to enjoy it with my own eyes. This is not an event like the Ayu festival but as a district festival, this is one of the most amazing in Atsugi (refering to comments I heard), maybe the best.
The hanabi put an end to the festival. People slowly when back home with the sound of the taiko band.

This week end was the Morinosato Obon Matsuri. I heard so many times that Morinosato is preparing every year a big event compare to the other districts. This is a place with money and/or with a strong community center. It is not a personal opinion, just a resume of all the little comments I got when I say I am living in Morinosato. The city is helping in a way but the main strenght comes from the community center and people involved into. Basicaly it means everbody as an annual fee is requested to be paid.
Whatever the comments, the event is pretty amazing. Many people from outside are coming to enjoy the masturi. Everything is well organised, cheap and good food and just cool atmosphere. Last year I was in Kyushu, so this is a pretty good surprise.

First part, the day time event. People and children are walking around the disctrict carrying some mikoshi. They end on the wakamiya ground where many tents from each chome provides you food and drinks, some games, some resting places...
Then we can enjoy some music events from elementary and junior high students. A bit too short.
Then I went back home to eat something before the night main events.