This event in which office workers sprinkle water dressed in their yukata (traditional Japanese summer vestment) took place in Marunouchi, Tokyo. It was done as a part of the “Tokyo Uchimizu Project 2010” sponsored by the city’s Ministry of environment and other organizations. This year’s was the event since it began.

The location was in the middle of Gyoko Street which connects the Tokyo train station and the imperial palace. About 900 people gathered at around sunset, and together they splashed water onto the surface of the street with a ladle. The water used, about 600 liters worth, came from the savings for gardening and for disasters.

On the day of the event, there were concerns due to the rain in the morning, but the weather cleared in the afternoon allowing it to take place as planned. When I arrived right before it s starting time, there was already a large crowd. Business men and women who work in Marunouchi were participating in a group with their companies. There were some women dressed in yukata. There seemed to have been a yukata dressing event before the uchimizu.

As I looked around, I spotted some mysterious fire extinguishers among the ladles and tubs. It definitely shouldn’t be for a fire….

While questioning, the sprinkling began along with a loud “Sore!”

Then, something unexpected happened… People began spraying water with the fire extinguished that I saw earlier. It is much easier that using a ladle, but it just wasn’t the same.

The frog seems very content.

The uchimizu lasted for about five minutes.
It would be nice to see more people doing it at home.

Women in yukata doing uchimizu

Happy frog surrounded by beautiful women

A maid was participating in the event as well. There was also another even in Akihabara.

There was also eye catching participants like this one as a part of a movie advertisement.