Maiko in Kyoto

Walking through the Geshia district in Kyoto, you may cross paths with an apprentice Geshia known as Maiko-san.

It was just a quick glimse through the crowd, but as you can see they're are quite easy to spot.

The International Festival UTAGE Osaka (a.k.a food festival)

This event, I was told only occurs once every 4 years, since 1985! The theme of this year was "learn about and enjoy food", which I sure did! The festival also featured innovative techonology to help bring more declicious food to your mouth, faster and more effeciently.

I had the opportunity to try dishes from each continent of the world. My stomach went home very happy.

For more information visit: http://www.shokuhaku.gr.jp/en/index.html

Children's Day (Kodomo no hi)

Today is the national holiday where all children are celebrated and their mothers are honoured.

Symbol of children's day:

"The carp kites which are flown for this festival are called 'koinobori' and are colourful - usually decorated with red or blue - and made of white cloth. They symbolise success due to the carp's long life and golden colour and are also supposed to drive away evil spirits. They are believed to represent strength and determination of spirit in the same way the carp travels against the current. In some houses, a carp is flown for each family member with the father's being the largest at the top down to the youngest child's at the bottom".

Under the process of globalization, even KFC's Colonel Sanders is celebrating the day!

The following information was provided by http://www.essortment.com/all/kodomonohijap_rnsd.htm