Bon odori on the beach. It's a fine location to see off the spirits of the ancestors...
Once darkness has fallen and the lanterns have been lit, it's time to start. The ritual circle dance begins, slowly moving anticlockwise around the musicians in the centre...
These days the music for bon odori is usually canned, with perhaps just a token drummer to keep the beat. Not here...
The music is traditional but instruments are electric — and so are the band. Many of the backing singers have appeared each year since they were knee-high to a cicada.
A libation or two can never go amiss, to lubricate the dancing muscles. There's always something to drink close at hand.
Sake seems appropriate, in honour of the ancestors. Above Kikuhime; below Suwa Izumi.
An hour of bon dancing can generate a powerful hunger. Some of the beach huts offer an impressive and eclectic range of snacks.
Goya chample (aka champuru), and some oasis curry (with chickpeas and other beans).
But the longest lines were at this Jamaican jerk chicken stall. Spicy and with a choice of rice or authentic festival.
The ancestors on their journey back to the other world would surely approve.
