Well it was that time of year again to enjoy Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa. Time flys eh! This time last year I had my studio set up in a local garage and took portraits of Senwachokai members and anyone else who I could entice into my little makeshift studio, this year I am here recording sound for an event at Paris Photo in November. The sounds of Sanja Matsuri to accompany my photographs. 
Again we were lucky with beautiful weather and a great time was had by all. I even was lucky enough to attend the main ceremony inside Sensoji Temple on the Sunday morning, although a 4.20am start after copious amounts of beer until 12pm the night before doesn’t exactly make you bright eyed and bushy tailed!
For the next hour the Mikoshi (portable shrines) are supported by hundreds of people scrambling to carry them, they are incredibly heavy and contain the spirits of the founders of Sensoji Temple dating back over 1300 years. During the scramble it can be quite dangerous as the 3 Mikoshi travel here, there and everywhere! 
As the fence above found out! However after all the excitement it’s time to return to base, take stock, have breakfast and
well………..have another beer! 
If you want to know more about Sanja Matsuri click the wiki link below. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanja_Matsuri And of course there are many more sights to see and events to enjoy during the weekend of festivities. In fact here is a pic of “Ton Kastu” the pet pig, last year when I saw him, he was just a piglet! The name actually means Deep Fried Breaded Pork Cutlet!
