The opening of Beppu 8 hot springs festival

Oita Godo Newspaper 2nd April, morning edition

The hot spring metropolis has informed about the coming spring 'Beppu 8 hot springs festival' (Oita Godo Newspaper joint sponsorship) will be held within one day, started at Beppu city until 5^th April. Yawata Tomomi Shinto Shrine had arranged an activity of god, there are also local groups (the motivated sound group) and  (mythical bird group) were asked to carry on this matter for both of 2 groups to empower the festival in the beginning. There was a cheerful shouting voice sounded like 'Soiya' in the central and then went around the city. Hikiri is the implement tool used in the festival; at Ougiyama festival (on 3^rd day) the fire was put inside the tool to make an honorable fire for god.  And the opening of Beppu 8 hot springs festival, which is to be honorable for the god of fire, will be used at Ougiyama festival. The area nearby Beppu train station, underground train's assembly hall there was also 'the hot spring reception', food cart such as Negiyaki, Ichigaki ban, people and tourists also come and dance and participate together. Moreover, every hot springs business places at the municipal management on that day were asked to open and allow people to come with no charge, also can get on the bus or taxi service nearby.

Comment: I really want to be in this festival as I love keeping myself in hot spring water so much. I can't imagine that 8 hot springs would be like in what kind of festival but I think it should be a fun time to roam around with people in a crowded place plus yell together around the city just to release stress and empower ourselves. There are always lots of activities brought for people to participate in Beppu which I think I'm so lucky to live here because if I live in a big city perhaps I could not know what the real Japanese traditional life style is.

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

Thailand

APS3, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University