Suga Jinjya Festival

This weekend we participated in the festival in our own neighborhood, the Ward of Chiyoda-ku. The Suga Jinjya Temple is very close to our flat, and was the center of the celebration. This was a much smaller festival than the Sanja Matsuri, although still very well attended with many joyful, friendly local folks! Many have seen us walking around our part of town with Jackson, and recognized us as we passed them this weekend. We were welcomed like everyone else! I don't remember seeing more than one other westerner all weekend (he was a JERK sitting outside Starbucks, of course, and talking so loudly you couldn't miss him...). It was awesome - we felt like we belonged, and we did!

Of course Jackson was as popular as ever, and a constant source of attention and admiration. Now, as his mom, I'm sure you might think I am exaggerating. Here is a picture of just one small crowd he commanded:

Hahaha. Okay, not really - but here is a true Jackson crowd:

Here is a pic of Jackson with his new little friend, both in their Happi Coats, as you can see.


Later in the day, Eric was asked to join the group carrying the shrine. It is considered very good luck just to touch the portable shrines! This was a big honor. Almost as big as when they asked me! haha. One of the locals gave Eric his patterned head band. Then two others lent us their Happi Coats so we would be legit. ;) We were both pretty darn excited, obviously! Good times!!
(It's okay, don't worry, my friend from the apartment was pushing Jackson's stroller for the brief moment I joined Eric! Safety First!!)