Osaka Meccha Happy Festival

Another thing I love about Japan is stumbling upon a cool event or festival, by chance.

Today, just outside the Kyobashi (a slightly ickier part of town) station, the Osaka Meccha ("totally/very/extremely" in Osaka dialect) Happy Festival was held. I asked someone what it was about, and apparently it's showcase of all the traditional forms of dance from different regions of Japan, complete with that region's costume. It was really colourful and energetic. I loved so many of the costumes! Some of the make up was also pretty cool.

I was extremely annoyed I didn't have my camera on me, so here are some crappy cellphone photos.

Gathering crowd and some performers.

A super genki group!

Group representing an area of Kobe. Performers' ages ranged from 6 to 56!