It’s been a while since I posted any pictures, so here’s nice big bunch of ‘em! :D

So yesterday I went to Bon Odori 2007, and this would mark my third time attending the festival. I figured that if I was going to drive there, I might as well go early and get myself a convenient parking spot. Last year was a total horror as I had to make a long trip around the entire freaking stadium and park at some back alley. I decided to go early, so affter lunch, about 3 PM, I drove to Shah Alam and arrived at The Matsushita Sports Centre [aka Panasonic Sports Centre] somewhere around 3.15 PM.

It was a hot and sunny day, but I found myself a nice resting spot under the shade of palm trees and where the wind blows a nice cool torrent of air.

It seems I arrived a bit too early, because according to the itinerary, the gates ‘open’ at 5 PM. For now, there are only very few visitors, and there were many people who have just started setting up the foodstalls and doing various work on the field.

Clouds rolled in and made a nice shade, and some Japanese boys just couldn’t help themselves. One of them tossed a football onto the field and a bunch of kids joined in and started playing.

Too bad they got chased out after playing for several minutes. Some time around 4.30 PM, people have already started trickling in, and the stalls have already started selling their stuff.

Then we got to see cute Japanese children in their yukata hopping around the festival.

And then some more.

And another one! [My favourite shot!]

After that I met up with the merry bunch from Comic Fiesta and EMiNA Melaka and Cyber.

As the sun began to set, the drummers came out to play. It’s time for everyone to gather around the stage and dance.

Stupid bars made it so hard to get a nice shot. At least I got a nice shot of this dude. I think he’s the squad captain or something.

I decided to retire early because I didn’t want to get trapped in the crazy jam when people start leaving at the end of the event. There was a lot great food and we had good company to share it all with, and I think a lot of us had a great time.

I suppose the best way to enjoy Bon Odori [in Malaysia, at least] is to spread a mat and lepak with all your friends. Try it!