Katahigashi and the Koshi-san's Party

Watermelon Smash
The fruit is one of the familiar symbols of summer here in Japan and plays a part in a popular beach game known as suika wari, or "split the watermelon".
We played it in the street though, but were still blindfolded and spinned around twice. We were only given two directions to follow - no more than that. Took about 5 of us before someone actually hit the watermelon head on.

What an exciting way to eat!

The Koshi-sans cut down some fresh bamboo for this bamboo chute diner. Water runs down the bamboo and noodles (sometimes watermelon) would come down the chute in the water. To eat, you simply put your chopsticks in the water and the noodles will quickly pile up onto them and you can then dip them into your cup of sauce. There is a bowl at the end to catch the noodles that make it to the end of the chute, where other guys waited eagerly to eat.


Mmm...it is truly summer time - Watermelon and Beer and BBQ!!!

We were showing our new friends different western drinks - like sake bombs and how to shot-gun a beer - classy...i know! But what ended up being a joke became real. b/c we laughed that what we need next was a tube and funnel for a beer bong and before our eyes came back the bamboo chute - thus the Bamboo Bong was born.

Everyone that night had at least one or two times with the bamboo bong.
Hi Mom!
Including the head host - Koshi-san himself!
Afterwards we headed to karaoke for a nice way to end the night.