Hanabi

Hanabi is the Japanese word for fireworks. There are a lot of firework festivals here in August. This one kind of kicked things off- it's the first big hanabi of the season. The fireworks were set off at Asakusa (where the big temple is) on the Sumida River. We went to a party at a park in Tsukishima, which is a nice area pretty far down the river. Above is a view of the park we went to.

This was a little earlier in the evening, looking down the river towards the launch point. It seems like all fireworks here are set off from boats on the river. Maybe it has something to do with fire regulations.

The first of the night! We traded an up-close view for not having to fight for a place to sit. Apparently, it is very crowded up closer to the launch. The fireworks began at 7:30 and people recommended that we get there at around 1:00 to get our spot. Have I mentioned how hot it is here? I would have melted. And been very grumpy.

Last night we went to another hanabi, this time close to Gen's work and our apartment. It was much smaller, but we got to sit up close and hear the booms. Summertime is fun- festivals on a Tuesday night? Can't beat it. Before the fireworks began, we went to a convenience store (called konbini here) and bought some beer and snacks. Too fun.

There's another hanabi on Thursday we might try to hit, plus a big one on Saturday. The Saturday one is the Tokyo Bay hanabi and we have plans to watch it in Odaiba.

A dragonfly! Cute. Last night they did a series of smiley faces and hearts.