I made it down to the Midosuji Parade last Sunday and it was a lot of fun. Some kind crowd members made space for my wife and daughter to sit with them. From what I hear this year’s parade was slightly different in that a lot of local community groups took part, in the past it was just companies and official city organisations. I think a parade like this should really be more for the local people so I hope future parades will keep the same style. I enjoyed the parade, lots of colour, noise, variety and personalities (I don’t mean famous people). The stage area was a bit disappointing as the stages weren’t raised so when a small crowd surrounded a stage no-one else could see anything. Definitely could do with a bit more thought on that aspect. The “Gourmet Street” area was a bit of a joke, we almost passed though it without realising…

So my advice if you are thinking of going next year, is to arrive early and pack some light snacks and drinks. If they are keeping the same format, then watching the parade closer to the end point will let you get to the stage area quicker. And take lots of photos if you have the chance

Here are some photos I managed to take:

And here is the link the whole slideshow (37 photos) hosted on Flickr: Midosuji Parade Photos 2007

One of the most spectacular fireworks festivals in Japan, the Yodogawa Festival (淀川花火大会) will take place this Saturday (4th August). It might not have as many fireworks as the PL fireworks festival but it has more variety and some special character fireworks. I’ve seen Doraemon and Hello Kitty ones.

I’ve been a number of times and would be going this time except I am attending a friend’s wedding in Hiroshima. I really recommend going, to enjoy the display and the whole Japanese festival atmosphere. All the usual suspects will be there including stalls selling things like yakitori (skewered chicken) , kakigori (shaved ice) and drinks. Also appearing will be this year’s latest fashion in yukatas.

It usually is totally crazily packed so if you’re not into crowds stay away from the main areas. My guess is that it will be even worse this year since it is a Saturday. You can still see the fireworks at certain locations in Umeda like the Sky Building but you miss the crowds/atmosphere.

The fireworks start at 7.50pm and last until about 8.40pm but you really have to get there at least an hour or two before.

Because the fireworks are on the river, you can view them on either side. For the side closer to Umeda, the best stations to get to the main viewing areas are JR Ebie and Noda Hanshin stations. For the opposite side, they are the Hankyu Juso and JR Tsukamoto stations. Follow the signs or crowds to get to the viewing areas. If you’re really stuck you can ask someone using

Sumimasen, yodogawa hanabi mitai, dochira desu ka?

Which is not perfect Japanese but should get you help. It will probably be a 20-30 minute walk from station to viewing area.

If you take any good photos send us some. Have fun!

Sorry for the delay… Here are the photos I took in February of the Osaka Evessa versus Niigata Albirex game. Including a couple with Matt Lottich. Hope you enjoy them!

You can find all the photos here or as a slideshow here

Evessa won their second championship in a row a few months back and I recommend any basketball fan to go and watch a couple of games. You’ll definitely enjoy it and will be amazed at the noise and participation of the crowd.

There’s going to be an informal meet-up of members (non-members welcome too) of the Osaka Flickr group this Saturday (16th June). The plan is to meet up at an photo exhibition of Brad Crawford, one of the members of the group. More details here:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/osaka/discuss/72157600227522155/

The place where the exhibition will be held is Slice’s Cafe in Shinsaibashi (page has map). Some of us will meet at 6pm while others will drop by during the day and later at night.

I’m really looking forward to seeing other fellow photographers there.

Some great photos of Osaka by my friend Janne, who also has a most read-worthy blog on life in Japan.

A black and white photo I took a few years back of Honmachi subway station.

As promised some photos taken last weekend of the Penguin March. Everyone enjoyed it so much, especially the kids. Let’s hope that after the bird flu scare they will have the event again next year. More photos on my flickr account.

Spotted in my local subway station

The multi-talented Ueto Aya warns everyone about the dangers of spyware. And you thought she was just a pretty face :p