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One notable and happy characteristic of the year 2023, has been Japan's emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic -- during which it had been closed to most visitors arriving from overseas and many public events were postponed or cancelled.  So, during 2023, things have opened back up and, in particular, there has been a huge increase in the number of foreign tourists coming to Japan.  In a previous article (linked below) we described Japan's long tradition of holding local festivals -- called: Matsuri (祭り), and in Yokosuka, several of these festivals have already been held in different parts of the City, for example: the Kurihama Perry Festival in July and the Downtown Omikoshi (portable shrine) parade in October.  Yokosuka Navy Base (CFAY) is uniquely located in the City's main business and entertainment district, so going out to shop and eat is only a short walk away (see the related article linked below).  Verny Park is also located right next to the Navy Base and it will be the location of a fun and interesting event during New Year's Eve, called: "Yokosuka Countdown 2024", where a crowd will gather to welcome the arrival of the "Year of the Dragon".  Verny Park has already been decorated with holiday lights, called: "Illumination" (イルミネーション), so please go there and take a walkaround one of these evenings.  The Countdown 2024 event will start at 18:00 with various booths selling food and drinks, as well as musical performances on an outdoor stage.  As things get dark, around 21:00, you will be able to look out at the nearby naval harbor and see warships decorated with "Illumination" style lights -- also, an Omikoshi portable will be carried into the venue area.  Then, finally, 10 seconds before midnight, a countdown will be called out by the master-of-ceremonies on the stage, and when New Year's arrives, 400 fireworks shots will be launched, and all of the ships will blow their horns and whistles -- very exciting!  Thereafter, the event will continue until 01:00 closing time.  We hope you will enjoy spending New Year's Eve in Japan! 

Written by Goodfield

LINKS:

Japanese festivals -- MATSURI (祭り)

https://us.iino.cc/blog/blog.html?eid=00066

Vibrant downtown Yokosuka, right outside the gate...

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