Katsuura Sports Festival, 2009.

Elementary/community Sports Day and Festival this past weekend at one of my schools. Great time.

From 2009-09-26

Oh yes. Yes, we can.

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From 2009-09-26

From 2009-09-26

I have this effect on children.

From 2009-09-26

The cuteness of the Japanese child can never be defeated.

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The Nuyama tug of war team goes 2-1, failing to reclaim championship form from 2 years ago. Not for lack of effort though.

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Traditional drums, flutes and lion dancing. It never fails to impress me how talented the kids are and how much work they put into things like this.

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You know you've been in Japan for a bit when you run into old students, long graduated... great kids.

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I fully participate!

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Always... So... Much... Running.

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Here you have an elementary school boy totally flirting with the college student volunteer helper. I've never been prouder.

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Some of next year's first graders.

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Wacky community spirit. You have to love Japan.

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Only one child was run over by the giant inflatable balls of death this year.

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My Katsuura family taking care of me for lunch.

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Physical stunts and synchronized dancing - the essence of Japan.

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Mountains from Katsuura... sigh.

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Video.

Katsuura Sports Festival, Japan 2009 from Rob Pugh on Vimeo.