4. For this very special festival, millions of Japanese return to their home towns. Tokyo seems quiet and nearly abandoned. The highlight of bon in all cities and towns is the bon odori, or dance. People gather for three nights and dance in a circle around a wooden platform that is decorated with lanterns. To the accompaniment of traditional drum and flute music, singers perform folk songs that may sound very strange to foreign ears, with the lyrics of the songs often being improvised. Although the dance repeats the same steps again and again, with dancers waving their arms and clapping their hands, the beautiful spectacle of it all keeps it from becoming boring. Men and boys wear yukata (cotton kimono) of white and navy blue, while women and grils wear yukata of all colors. Adding to the festival atmosphere are booths that sell goldfish, toys and masks, fireworks, candy snacks, and drinks. The foreign visitor may want to try a Japanese sofl drink called ramune, served in a bottle with a glass marble in its neck. Viewing the dance, the bright yukata, and the lanterns, the foreigner is likely to feel that this is one of the few times that the real Japan is on display.
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