Hakone Daimyo Gyo-retsu Parade

*Daimyo Gyoretsu- Back in the Edo era, the top Japanese feudal lord in Edo (modern day Tokyo) appointed new governors each year, who then walked in a long procession all the way to their new domain. Nowadays, the Gyoretsu is still celebrated in the form of an annual parade.



On November 3rd, Sirius Band Activities took part in annual Hakone Daimyo Gyo-retsu Parade in Hakone, Kanagawa. Rain started while we were moving to the starting point, but the skies cleared before the parade got under way. Usually, this season is very rainy in Hakone. However, this year, we completed the parade without getting wet. We were very glad to see the audience lining the streets, and very grateful towards the people who cheered us on throughout the parade.

Sagami Nebuta Carnival

On October 9th, Sirius Band Activities participated in the annual Sagami Nebuta Carnival in Sagamihara, Kanagawa. Last year, a typhoon went through Sagamihara a day before the parade. This year, it was sprinkling before the parade which made us anxious, but the rain soon stopped, which allayed our fears. We really enjoyed parading on the nice and wide Liberty Street, and performing with elementary school marching bands and professional American military bands.

Odawara-houjou parade

On May 3, 2005, The 41st Odawara-houjou parade, an annual gorgeous parade which consists of 2000 people in all, was held in downtown Odawara. Odawara is a historical city, a captain of the area back in 15th century named Sou-un Houjou protected the city from its enemies. Houjou is held in high esteem, and to honor him and the city’s history, some performers dress in armor. In addition to historical re-enactors, there are chou-chin dancers, marching bands, baton twirlers and Mikoshi. This year, the Odawara Marching Band and Sirius Color Guard Unit marched at the head of this parade. On that day, the sun was shining on us as if it were celebrating our parade from the sky. We all enjoyed performing at this parade and we truly appreciate everyone’s support.

Participants /Odawara Marching Band, Sirius Color Guard Unit, Hakone 21 Marching Band, Kataura elementary school, So-Yo High school baton twirling club with Izumi JHS, Haku-oh JHS, Jyou-hoku JHS, Ko-zu JHS, Baton team Winks & Cherries with Odawara Jyo-tou High school.

(Sirius Odawara Marching Band)

SMB Camp @ Mishima in Shizuoka Pref.

Sagamihara Marching Band held its band camp from Apr.29th to May 1st in Hakone-no sato, Mishima, Shizuoka. We practiced some basics, ensembles and started working on our drills. Fortunately, the weather was nice and hot, everybody got a great tan (although some of them got sun burnt, ouch!!). On the last day of camp, we moved to Numazu city to meet up with Katoh Gaku-yen HS wind ensemble club. We shared our performances with each other and had fantastic time together.



(Sirius Sagamihara Marching Band)