Another grey, cloudy, soggy day here in Tokyo. Rainy season has stretched beyond its usual timeframe at both ends and it just seems like ages since the sun’s been out. This morning was actually foggy – here’s a shot of Shinjuku (just in front of the east exit of shinjuku station):

All the grey and cloud has been a bit much, so it was very nice to hear a familiar drumbeat this evening and to walk around the corner to the local temple and see this:

[quicktime]http://blog.tokyololas.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/bonodori.mov[/quicktime]

Bon Odori (part of O-Bon) is one of my favourite things in Japan. It’s so colourful; it’s so local, everyone in the neighbourhood is out; I like the music; I like the dance patterns; and it’s just so festive and cheerful – a great way to forget about the grey skies…