The Annual Amami Sea Kayak Marathon in Kakeroma was the first weekend of July. While I didn't participate in the race itself because of conflicting responsibilities with the Orchestra, I went to cheer on my friends who entered and to enjoy the post-race festival. But before all that, on Saturday July 1 the Amami ALTs spent the day exploring Kakeroma.
We met Mr. Daisuke through a mutual friend, and he took us around the island to see the main sights. We were also joined by Micah, a former ALT on Tokunoshima, who came back to visit and participate in the marathon.
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| A perfect view of Oshima strait from a Kakeroma mountaintop. |
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Our ALT group posing by the pier. Photo by Daisuke-san.
From L-R: Jacob, Micah, Megan, Ching, Maranda |
Daisuke-san also took us to an old, famous tree: the Takena Gajumaru.
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| A wooden sign featuring Totoro helpfully points the way. |
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| Our group next to the Gajumaru tree. Photo by Mr. Daisuke. |
After our sightseeing tour, Mr. Daisuke dropped us off at one of Kakeroma's many beaches, where we had lunch (prepared by the old lady who oversees the only shop) and spent the day snorkeling and swimming. On the ferry back to Koniya we even spotted a sea turtle!
Sunday arrived, and we made our way down to the port where the kayaks were waiting (all racers had to register on Saturday morning). The race teams featuring ALTs were as follows: Nat and his girlfriend Ai, Ching and Micah, and Megan and her friend Mao.
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| The kayaks are in the water and the participants are ready to head to the starting line! |
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| The start of the race is signaled by a lively taiko team of kids. |
At this point I left for orchestra rehearsal in Naze, and came back late afternoon to a post-marathon festival, complete with food stands selling yakisoba and kakigori among other foods, and a stage.
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| High school students performed hula. |
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| A sumo monomane (comedy impersonation) performer dancing with two volunteers |
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| Amami Shima-uta (traditional island song), accompanied by shamisen. |
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Amami-born shimauta-sha and pop singer Hajime Chitose gave a concert!
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