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Summer weather in Yokosuka City and the Miura Peninsula tends to be uncomfortably hot and humid during the day. However, the evenings can be cooler and balmy -- more pleasant. Also, there are occasional typhoons or windy rainstorms which pass over the area, breaking up the heat and clearing-up the skies. During the summer months, local festivals (祭り, Matsuri) will be held at various times and places. These Matsuri festivals will often arrange a "Paper Lantern Dance" -- called: "Bon Odori" (盆踊り). Briefly, how the Bon Odori works is that a square raised platform is erected in an open area at the festival site, the platform will have pillars and ropes which are strung with glowing lanterns, and nearby a music and announcements loudspeaker system will be put in place. Typically, a group of Japanese women (often from local volunteer groups) will get up onto the platform and also line-up around the platform -- and when the music starts, they will do a traditional dance while moving in a circle on/around the platform. Visitors to the festival are welcomed and encouraged to join in the dance. Many people will be wearing light & colorful summer kimonos called "Yukata" (浴衣). There usually will be booths set-up selling food, drinks, and toys. Also, sometimes visitors can join a bingo game, where door prizes are handed out to the winners. Some previous articles about Japanese summertime, from our Staff Blog, are provided below for your information. We hope you will be able to enjoy a summertime Matsui and Bon Odori while you live in Japan!

Written by Goodfield

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LINKS:

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

https://us.iino.cc/blog/blog.html?eid=00123