Japan's Nebuta Festival

It's Spring in Japan. The Cherry blossoms are in full bloom and its the beginning of the festival season. One of the most unique festivals I covered was Aomori Citiy's Nebuta Festival.  About 2 million partiers crowd into the city from August 3rd-7th to enjoy the after dark madness.  Huge illuminated floats paper-mache floats are pushed and pulled by merry makers and are surrounded by skipping and chanting dancers to the baka dori or fools' dance.  You can view more images at: http://jimbryant.photoshelter.com/gallery/G0000GTOhzh8Ov3I