Ito is a seaside city well known for its sandy beaches, hot springs and spectacular summer festivals. Every first Sunday of July, the city hosts the Tarai-nori Kyoso, otherwise known as the wash tub boat race, on Matsukawa River, a fun and slightly wacky event that draws in competitors and spectators from all around the world.

You may be thinking why? Well, the Japanese women of Ito city used wooden tubs and wash boards to clean their laundry at Matsukawa River. When these tools became outdated and replaced with washing machines, the people decided to hold on to their tradition, by starting a tub race along the river. The first race was held in 1956 and it has been organised yearly ever since.

Ryu and Junko representnig Japan, Jo-Jo representing the US,
Cheryl representing Austrailia and Ali and I representing the UK!
Go Team International!!!!! 

Many people gather on the banks of the river to watch the contestants steer the 1 metre in diameter, 30cm deep tubs along the 400 metre course, using giant wooden spoons. Also, contestants usually dress up in themed costumes. Our group decided to paint our faces with our national flags.

There are about 35 races and if a group of you want to participate then you need to sign up before the day. We only found out about the race a week before so it was too late to sign up, but we were lucky enough to be given a spare slot. Before the race there is a great atmosphere, all competitors mingle about and many spectators love taking photos and chatting with you. When they call up your race number, you walk out on to the walkway across the river with the crowds cheering as they read out your name. Now, it sounds quite easy and straight forward guiding you boat down the river, especially when the speed of the water rarely goes above a snails pace. However, the boats are neither streamline or stable and often fill with water and flip upside down. As many of you know I am super competitive so trying to out-paddle the others without falling out of the tub was pretty difficult.

Ready. Set. Go!!! 

I came a respectful third place

In fact, I fell in, my tub sank. Contestants are allowed to chase after their tub and try and get back in and continue, but this was easier said than done. I was all over the place. I wasn't the first to fall in; poor Ryu fell in as soon as he got in his tub. It was surprisingly tiring paddling all the way to the finish line but the crowds were laughing and cheering and it was a good bit of light hearted fun. If you are in the area next year, I would strongly recommend taking part. One of my favourite days in Japan yet.

News article

Once the races were over, we wondered down to the beach for lunch and to relax. It was an unusually hot day for the time of the year and down on the beach was a film crew for the local news. We were asked if we didn't mind being filmed 'having fun in the sea.' So now we are famous. In fact, that day we were on the local news and in local papers a few times. Certainly stars in the making.

In the afternoon we met a lovely Japanese family that owned a couple of jet skis and a banana boat. We were lucky enough to be allowed a go on the banana boat. They had so much fun trying to throw us off the banana boat!! I fell in three times, the third was more of a 'panic and jump off' moment as I thought the banana boat was tipping over. When the banana boat didn't tip over, I just looked rather silly! 

We didn't know Cheryl or Jo-Jo before our day in Ito. In fact, Cheryl had contacted me via Facebook the night before responding to a Facebook post I made inviting anyone to come and join us. Travelling and living abroad has often been romanticised, making it seem effortless and easy, when in reality sometimes it can be hard. For me, I have realised the importance of having friends, particularly English speaking friends. Every day you are faced with having to try and overcome a language barrier, whether its in a shop or on the street. Admittedly  you can overcome this by studying the Japanese language everyday, but some days you just need to have a good fun day without getting wires crossed. I love both Cheryl and Jo-Jo's passion for Japan and life, they have great enthusiasm and energy which is really infectious.  

To top off our day, my student, Hide-san invited Ali and I for dinner at his home in Ito. His apartment was truly amazing! Most Japanese homes are small and cramped, but Hide-sans home is modern, open and high-tech. His apartment is part of a luxury hotel in the mountains, so we were able to take advantage of the free hotel spa facilities including a lovely onsen (hot springs). Later in the evening Hide-sans wife cooked an amazing Japanese dinner. 

Great day! 

I have been so busy this last month so the blogging went quiet. Now that my visitors have left I am getting back to the painting, drawing and blogging. I only have 4 months left now, and I am going to make the most of it!!! 

Marion