Natsu Matsuri... Again..

Natsu Matsuri, 夏祭り, or the Japanese Summer Festival, had always been an annual event for me and my close friends. Somehow, either its because we're all growing older, we gotten less passionate, or life's takin over us. We seem to enjoy it lesser year by year.  It is a tragedy, for that to happen.Of course, there are many other factors involved. This year is the first time after many years where my dance group friends aren't performing for it. And our favourite Bon Odori (盆踊り or Japanese traditional dance) teacher Takahashi Sensei, is indeed getting really old, and she's sick this year therefore not being able to lead the dances anymore. And local Singaporeans with no idea whats going on are massing the place up and its getting uncomfortable. Somewhat it reminds me of an overcrowded clubbing area where you can't even move.The above are all the excuses we all found for ourselves. But for me, I think somewhat the greatest factor was due to the core of the F4 Family, the 4 of us, are drifting apart due to our own personal lives and problems we faced. Especially this year is the first time we're not attending altogether.Its sad.I can still remember the Natsu Matsuri we attended in the past years.The first I attended was back in year 2002, where no pictures were found anymore.The picture above was Natsu Matsuri in 2003 (thats all I found)The most memorable Natsu Matsuri, 2004.That was the 4 of us.Year 2005, while I was in ArmyNatsu Matsuri 2007, apparently there are no pictures found for 2006.And 2008. Blogged about it herePictures for 2009 can be found here and I had blogged about it hereLooking back, its all wild and crazy fun. But toning down so much year by year. Sometimes I really wish that we can turn back time to those days when we're all young and strong as a family. Ok enough of memories. Here's what happened at this year's Natsu Matsuri.Apparently, the one thing that thrilled me the most was the appearance of Tamiya Company. With our childhood playmate the 'Tamiya cars' 4-wheel drive + tracks! I was so tempted to buy one myself just for the fun of it! And now I regretted that I didn't.The crowd was as good, as always.'Nobody Nobody' Dance by the Japanese Association Dance Group. Cute Kids.And how can I forget about the pretty ladies of the F4 Family?One very interesting performance I had to highlight was the Hawaiian Dance Club in the Japanese Association. Their performance was 'awesome' and Danny said he'll be singing the song. Danny, please try not to sing it in front of me.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUfzFuhasBghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlYubqYAW24And the main event, Bon Odori DanceToo tired after dancing, well at least for me.I realise, that this was the only year where there wasn't any picture taken together by the 4 of us. Not even 2 of us together. Sigh. Next year would be the 10th Natsu Matsuri, and I really wish it would be a special one. Would we get back our smiles just like the ones below?Maybe we can stand proud as a dance group altogether again :)