Festivities on Dotonburi River (Osaka)

The crowd began to gather and camp on the river bank. Early birds have the best view but it helps it you are tall or petite enough to squeeze through the gaps.

All await patiently for the ceremony to begin.

First, the drumbeats and cheers could be heard from afar but there are only lights in a distant scarcely capable of competing with the bright neon lights in the dusk.

Despite using manpower to row the boats, the speed they were travelling was much faster than one could imagine. By now, the drums and chant are visibly loud and clear.

 

 

 


This is a real close-up of the drummers and rowers dressed in traditional garb.

If you miss the first round, fret not. The two boats turned around and came back.

The audience was thrilled. To add to their excitement, the boats made a few rounds before calling it a night.