The Obon festival was held on Friday, August 21st.
Three two-year-olds in the Hoshi group, six one-year-olds in the Tsuki group, and two newborns in the Hikari group...all were able to participate.
Unfortunately, this year, due to COVID-19 infection prevention measures, we were unable to invite parents to attend as we have in previous years.
We asked the staff at Cocofan Day Service, who always help us with intergenerational exchange, to watch through their windows the children's floats and tatami mats parading around and the Bon Odori dance, shouting "Wasshoi, wasshoi" and clapping their hands.
In advance, we presented the children with handmade fans and asked them to "wave these fans to cheer us on!"
Well, on the day, we played watermelon smashing and yo-yo scooping in our room, and then the time came for us to finally depart.
The Tsuki and Hikari groups got on the Stroller's Dashi!
The Star Class students walked energetically with their trophies in hand. "Pip pi, wasshoi!"
The nursery school and Cocofan's parking lots were rented out for the event, and light, traditional music rang out throughout the venue.
For the Bon Odori dance, we danced the "Ebikanix Ondo."
We received a lot of applause and the fun time ended in a flash. (The temperature was high and it was hot, so the time was shortened.)
Finally, we had a little chat through the window. I'm really glad that we were able to do everything we could while taking precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
Since all the parents were unable to attend, we thought we could at least do something for them, so we gave them yo-yos when they came to pick up their children and had a parent-child photo taken.
Thank you to everyone who helped out in so many ways. It was a really fun and memorable day.
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