MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Thousands of people filled the streets of Yanai City Aug. 13 for the city's 11th annual Kingyo Chochin Matsuri, or Goldfish Lantern Festival.
Spectators from near and far gathered together to enjoy the fun and friendly atmosphere provided by the festival.
Goldfish lanterns made of washi paper and bamboo were strung up between telephone poles, illuminating the streets from overhead, as Japanese drum teams provided a steady beat of rhythm for a constant parade of goldfish floats.
"It's an amazing sight. They're not slowing down at all," said Jamie Wurdinger, festival spectator, as she watched more than a dozen revelers dance and spin a 20-foot-tall goldfish float in front of the crowd. "The streets are teeming with goldfish decorations. We saw several goldfish lanterns floating in the river and huge lanterns hovering above a bridge."
Local vendors lined the streets as well, selling everything from toys, masks, goldfish fans and souvenirs, to grilled squid and fried potato patties with beef.
The goldfish lanterns, which are made throughout the year in preparation for the festival, are a symbol of not only the festival, but the city as well, and can be found throughout Yanai.
"I took a trip to Yanai in June to come down here to make a lantern, and I just had to come back and see the festival," said Navy Lt. Michelle Mendez, Branch Medical Clinic family practice physician and festival spectator.
For many, the festival was a chance to spend time with friends or meet some new ones, and also the last opportunity to wear their summer kimono before the end of the season.
Seventeen-year-old Sayaka Yoshida, festival participant, has been to the festival before but decided that this year she would share the experience with her friends, Ayako Kanekiyo and Yuka Harada, both from Hikari City.
"My grandmother lives here in Yanai and let us all stay with her so we could go to the festival," said Yoshida.
The girls said they already thought about coming again next year.
"It's a lot of fun," said Kanekiyo. "There are so many people and there's so much to do."
Everyone seemed to have his or her own favorite part of the festival.
"The snow cones have definitely been my favorite food so far," said Harada. "But other than that it would be hard to pick a highlight to the festival. From the drummers and fireworks to the dancing and floats, it was all so wonderful."
The Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival was just one of the many activities around the local area that Iwakuni residents can enjoy during their stay in Japan. For information on exploring Japan and learning more about Japanese culture, call the Cultural Adaptation Program at 253-6165.