There's always a plan. An entirely too comprehensive plan with a manga inspired cover.
Logistically iffy up until the morning of, due to rain and winds, the decision was made to push through, in spite of the inclement weather. Japan, a contradiction in terms. No second thoughts about having kids stand outside in the cold rain all day, but god forbid at the slightest sign of hay fever pollen or, heaven forfend, swine flu and the whole nation becomes a nation of surgical mask wearing panic victims.
Unfriendly skies.
The band tries, in vain, to warm up while keeping their instruments dry.
They maintain, of course, their genki cheerfulness. WITH umbrella, natch.
March on of this year's teams.
Students pledging to do their best [it IS Japan, after all.]
Synchronized warmups. In Japan, if it's not synchronized, it's not worth doing.
So many relays and running it is not to be believed. All day long.
The thrill of victory...
And the agony of defeat.
Obstacle course time... [Sandy, that's Tominaga-sensei's nephew... great, great kid.]
Cheering on their team. [The kids make these flags. It's pretty awesome.]
Children huddling for warmth from the rain and wind. [It cleared up some in the afternoon, thank god...]
3 legged race shenanigans...
Group jump rope, par excellance.
Two of my favorite kids. They are awesome.
Tug of war prep...
Rodeo! At least that's what I call it. The best part is the country shitkicker music they play during it. Brilliant.
Returning alumni. Some I really miss, some... not so much.
Soooo much running. But I dug this pic.
The sports teams march on...
Including the uber-cool/my favorite Judo club...
...and kendo club.
Then the sports team relay...
...the boys in particular, are cool to see, because they make the Judo team lug that damn tatami mat all around the track. Awesome to watch.
They're always dead fucking last, of course... but in Japan it's not about where you finish, it's about how you finish. And these kids rock so hard it's not even funny.
The centipede race...
...the winners celebrate.
The girls charge for the "rope pull" event...
...which gets surprisingly brutal. [Or not, depending on your view of the female of the species...]
And then... KIBASEN! [Horse/Rider] Hands down, Japan's greatest contribution to dangerous Jr High School activities. It is brilliant.
Combatants take the field...
...and attack! You win by knocking the other guy off his "horse" and onto his ass.
Pretty good pics, if I do say so myself, considering I snapped 'em all rapid-fire-one-handed while trying to make sure none of the kids landed on their heads.
And finally, teams White and Red prepare for their final sing/dance off. Seriously.
I really dig this taiko pic as White preps.
White takes the field!
And from there proceed choreographed chants, songs, dances, signage and psuedo karate.
And then, team Red. Which actually won this year's Red/White battle...
...mostly due, I think, to the force of personality, cheerfulness and enthusiasm of their team captain this year... who, as you can see, spared no effort.
Little off with the camera, sadly missing the flying jump kick. Which was awesome.
You have to check out the other
post to catch their ripping dance number, complete with booty-shaking and pom-poms, I kid you not. It was cool.
End of the day.
The spoils of victory.
The farewell.
And even the sun tried to peek through, at the end.
Great day. I love the sports days... I took something like 600 pics that day. Managed to cull them down to something like 250. And then these are the best of the best, I thought. Though there's still a lot here. Gluttons for punishment can see them all here -
The video you cut was cute. That's hilarious that they did the whole "Yes we can" thing.
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