Shochu from the Moon Light

One experience I forgot to mention in Sendai was my gift of Shochu from the Moon Light. After the tug-of-war ended, Tarah headed back to our hotel while I wandered around taking in the sights. I found a little bar near the JR station and decided to take a peek. I walked in and found the bar keep and one patron. They were pretty excited to have an "American" in their pub. The bartender's name was Lei'a and the drunk old guy introduced himself as "John." I ordered a Shochu and I was handed my drink along with a beer and a plate of tomatoes/cucumbers/mayonaisse. Within a minute, a microphone was thrust upon me and the karoke machine cranked out "Rocky Mountain High" by Olivia Newton John!?! I had to sing for the two friends I had just met, but I didn't have the heart to tell them that Oliva Newton John did not sing that song. After another round, "John" had a taxi pick him up and I was ready to head back. In typical Japanese form, Lei'a handed me bottle of house Shochu as a gift and wished me well. What a great way to end a visit to Sendai, Kyushu. BTW - that John Denver is full of shit.

Sendai Oh-Tsunahiki (Great Tug-of-War)

Luck would have it that we are in Sendai for their annual "Great Tug-of-War." This happens every year on September 22nd in this small city of approximately 100,000 residents. We think the entire city turned out in the downtown streets to witness, cheer, and even participate in this grand ritual. The street vendors were everywhere selling everything. We saw chicken, pork, fish, octopus, squid, sake, beer, shochu, candy, veggies, hot dogs, glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark swords, anime masks, and on and on and on. At one point we were almost crushed by the guys pulling the massive rope (about 24+ inches in diameter). Needless to say, the medical crews and cleaning crews were out in full force. After it was all over I was able to get a strand of the actual rope - apparently if you hang it on the front door of your house it will bring you good luck. Bonzai!

Here is a video we took: