As well as being a member of a drumming group, our friend Junko is also a member of a mixed group who perform at various functions or institutions. Junko does a traditional dance in costume while others are singers, magicians, musicians, actors, etc. Yesterday we were picked up and taken to a 'day care' centre for old folk to watch one of these performances. It was quite entertaining and the magicians in particular were hilarious - we are now privy to some of their secrets, revealed as they fumbled their way through their routines.
One of the performers in traditional kimono
The group takes a bow at the end of their performance. That's Junko on the left.
After our entertainment Junko's husband drove us back to the marina but on the way we stopped off at the Atago Shrine, not that far from the marina. The Shrine is on a hill with views over Fukuoka and Hakata Bay. The Shrine itself is very old and is the second busiest shrine in Fukuoka on New Year's Day when people from all around come to worship. It is said to have miraculous powers when it comes to such things as extinguishing fires, improving luck, bringing long life and making business prosper!
From this view to the west you can just make out the masts in Odo Marina, centre. That's a golf driving range on the right with the high fencing.
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