Bunsui Oiran Dochu

Kristen, Misael and ventured out to the Bunsui Oiran Dochu (courtesan parade) last Sunday. Apparently Bunsui is one of the top 100 places to view cherry blossom in Japan but recently it seems many places in Niigata are claiming a place on this list. Niigata is really backwater and I think perhaps some of these claims are fudged. It was an unfortunate day for the parade because the blossoms had hardly bloomed in Bunsui and it was pretty windy but we stuck it through. There are three geisha in the parade but over 100 people from across Japan (not sure about this claim either) compete for the role. Attending the geisha were 70 servants and attendants, basically local girls all fancied up. The geisha had several layers of kimono on that are apparently extremely heavy.

Not only were they encumbered by the kimono but they were wearing 15 cm tall geta (wooden sandals).

Male attendants were first in the procession carrying a type of sword/ lance like thing.

Then came the geisha protected by an umbrella and held up by another attendant. If you ask me there is no point in them walking on these sandals if they don't do it alone.

Then came the little girls all gussied up.

It was interesting but somewhat uneventful. Festivals typically have food stands, like fair and carnivals back home, but this festival had a notable lack in this area. We also ended up watching the Bunsui Taiko group and I was excited to compare their style to our group. To put it harshly it was boring. They basically sit on the ground and bang their drums. My group has choreographed movement that I think add to the performance. I found their rhythms uninspiring as well, but perhaps they have better routines.