TOKYO - Despite record heat, foreign tourists are immersing themselves in Japan’s summer traditions. From local festivals and cosplay events to waterfall training, visitors are experiencing the season in full.
At a summer festival in Ueno Park, the sound of wind chimes echoed as foreigners in yukata joined locals. Some said they had learned about Japanese festivals through anime. A German woman noted, "Japan is very hot. In Germany it’s about 20 to 25 degrees, but the yukata feels cool." She struggled at first with her first bottle of ramune, confused by the marble stopper, before staff demonstrated how to open it. "Sweet. Very sweet," she smiled after tasting it. Others enjoyed colorful shaved ice, with tongues turning bright blue from the popular Blue Hawaii flavor. Stalls serving grilled fish drew particular attention, reminding some Canadians of sardines back home. "I could eat ten more," one said.
In Nagoya, the 23rd World Cosplay Summit drew fans from across the globe despite the temperature reaching 38.8 degrees. A Lithuanian visitor said, "We heard it was one of the most interesting festivals in Japan." Participants endured the heat in elaborate costumes, using ice vests, parasols, and water bottles to cope. One Iranian woman dressed as a character from "Kiki’s Delivery Service" said, "I chose it because I resemble her a little." Families also flocked to the event, like a Dutch father searching for a cosplayer of Anya from the anime "Spy Family," the same name as his daughter. After a long search, he finally found one, posing for a memorable double-Anya photo. The summit also featured a parade and a global cosplay competition, where representatives from 41 countries showcased their costumes. Italy’s contestant earned a special prize with a Godzilla performance.
Away from the cities, waterfall training in Gunma Prefecture is drawing foreign interest. Known as takigyo, the practice has appeared in anime, inspiring exchange students to try it firsthand. Wearing karate uniforms, they hiked through 39-degree heat to Shakunage Fudo Falls, where the water was a cool 19 degrees. Bracing themselves beneath the 37-meter cascade, they counted their breaths while enduring the pounding water. "It was so hot earlier, but now I feel refreshed and happy," one said. Afterward, they struck poses under the falls, thrilled by the experience.
Source: TBS
