On Sunday, I went to a festival in Urawa. When someone invites you to carry a heavy ceremonial shrine ("omikoshi") down a long street with some whiteys and some Chinese people, you take it. Bring on the gawking.

There weren't enough happi coats for everyone, but I managed to rush in and grab one for myself. America!

This isn't so bad! (notice the tall guys in the back taking all the weight)

Weight redistributed. Starting to feel the burn.

And then a child climbed on top and started waving fans around...

"Motherfucker, this is heavy!"

A good time was had by all. We only had one drunk old man yell at us for befouling his culture, and my shoulder made it through with only a little bruising.
All that rhythmic yelling and clapping and bouncing really gets you PUMPED! and THIRSTY! So we proceeded directly to the beer garden afterwards and proceeded to drink our weight in beer. It's all a bit fuzzy after that.
Wasshoi! Wasshoi!