Weekend 95: August 26 – 27, 2023
Day 663: August 26, 2023
Saturday – Ishikari x Numata Road Trip
Today was another extremely humid day in Rumoi City. The weather was quite unbearable, but luckily we had exciting plans to keep us busy. We decided to venture out of the city and head to Ishikari City in the morning to buy groceries and then make our way to Numata in the afternoon to witness the famous Numata Yohtaka Andon Festival.
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| Ishikari x Numata Road Trip |
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| 2nd Street Ishikari |
We woke up early and left Rumoi City around 9AM. Our first stop was 2nd Street Ishikari, where we hoped to find some summer clothes and a preloved fan or cooling device. Unfortunately, we couldn't find any, but we did manage to pick up some clothes for Ella's upcoming Takikawa overnight school trip.
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| Grocery shopping at COSTCO Ishikari |
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| Here's what we bought today. |
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| Lunch at COSTCO |
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| Team Nicerio bonding at Ishikari City |
After that, we drove over to Costco Ishikari to stock up on food for tomorrow's party celebrating Ella and Kai. Of course, we couldn't resist indulging in our favorite Costco pizza and hot dog before leaving. By the time we got home, it was already past 5PM. We quickly unloaded and stored our groceries, and then prepared to head out again, this time to the town of Numata.
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| Numata Yohtaka Andon Festival |
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| The lone Seicomart of Numata was jam-packed with tourists who were attending this year's festival |
This was our first time attending the Numata Yohtaka Andon Festival, and it was truly a sight to behold. Colorful floats paraded through the streets of 3 Chome Hondori, accompanied by lively dancing and chanting. The festival's highlight was the slugfest between the floats, which was absolutely thrilling to watch. However, the most remarkable moment of the evening was when I was invited to join one of the floats upon learning that I am from the Philippines.
Numata Yohtaka Andon Festival photos
I eagerly participated and chanted "Yo Yasa!" as we made our way through the streets. When I disembarked from the float, they presented me with a beautiful lantern as a souvenir. It was a special moment that I'll always cherish.
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| Ella and I had a blast! |
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| I was lucky enough to be selected to board one of the andon when they are looking for foreigners. I was given this paper lantern as a souvenir. |
We stayed until the end of the festival, savoring every moment of the grand Battle Royale between the floats. It was an unforgettable experience. It reminded me of the film Real Steel, where robots slug it off against each other. However, for this festival, it’s giant paper lanterns.
Day 664: August 27, 2023
Sunday – Rumoi x Ella and Kai’s Party
The forecast had predicted heavy rain in the afternoon, and sure enough, at around 1 PM, the heavens opened up. It was a refreshing change from the scorching heat we've been having lately. The sudden downpour also brought down the temperature from a blistering 32 degrees to a comfortable 24 degrees.
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| We went to DCM in our city to buy some things for the Thanksgiving Party later |
Today was truly special because we organized a Thanksgiving party for Ella and Kai to celebrate their achievements and show our gratitude. We invited Alaina and her children, along with Ella’s teachers, Kihara-sensei and Watanabe-sensei.
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| Thanksgiving party with our friends here in Rumoi City |
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| My wife cooked these for the party |
The house was filled with warmth and laughter as everyone gathered in our cozy living room. We shared stories, caught up on each other’s lives, and enjoyed the amazing food my wife had lovingly prepared. The delicious dishes added a festive touch to the occasion. Our party ended at around 5 PM. My wife and I got to work cleaning up—washing dishes, tidying the living room, and putting everything back in order. It was tiring but satisfying to see our home restored after such a joyful gathering.
Looking back on this weekend, I feel incredibly grateful. Moments like these, spent with family and friends, remind me of what truly matters. They fill my heart with happiness and give me the energy to face the week ahead. I’m ready to tackle whatever comes, carrying the love and memories of this beautiful day.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 95
Japan Diaries 4: Day 663
Yohtaka Andon Festival 2023
10 Things to Do in Ishikari City
10 Things to Do in Numata
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