Tamayaaa~!

The most popular fireworks festival in Tokyo is the Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai, or Sumida River Fireworks Competition. Two companies battle it out with the puh-reetiest, awesome-possumest fireworks they could shoot out of a barrel.

This is in the spirit of the fireworks craze during the Edo period, where companies Tamaya and Kagiya compete in a battle of fires and lights. Any onlookers would shout out the company that they’re supporting. This practice persists, and even now people shout “Tamayaa~!” and “Kagiyaa~!” whenever a firework bursts in the sky.

This is Asakusa, a traditional Japanese spot in downtown Tokyo. That yellow-looking chili thingy belongs to the Asahi headquarters. We heard it’s gonna be hell to reserve a place, so Jasril and I arrived early.

…or so we thought. These guys reserved their spot since last night!

Well if it means walking around and looking at lovely ladies in yukata, why the hell not.

The battle for the viewing spot begins! This road is closed to cars in half an hour’s time. When the police says it’s ok, everyone’s gonna rush to one half of the road. Jasril and I began to spread the mat and block their path, wahahahaha!

And we made it to the front row! Heh we’re quite kiasu ourselves.

Now everyone’s in their spot, it’s time to wait for nightfall…

…when the fireworks begin! Ooooooh puh-reety.

Joining us later were my cousin Daim and my ex-classmate Hakukun. Here’s a tip: come later than 6pm and be prepared for a horrible human jam, and phone calls rarely get through too.

Daim was too in awe to eat his green beans.

We were joined later by our good friend Anwar Ibrahim.

We chatted with these two university students while waiting to grab a spot. Thanks to friendly Jasril who started the conversation!

On an unrelated note… Man, I miss Steven’s Corner.