J and I stumbled upon a fire show while walking through Oasis after Skinny Lister’s Red Marqee pre-fest concert.  A man waved different flaming objects in front of the 100 or so spectators that stopped to watch him perform.  Everyone was impressed when he balanced a lit staff on his head.  But the highlight was definitely his flaming sword.  With the crowd cheering him on he waved the sword through the air and struck different fighting poses with it.  While the electro-pop tunes he played in the background seemed like a strange choice for musical accompaniment, the show was still very cool to see.

Actually, he has placed four balls up there, and he promises that a few are designed to fall to the ground and be kicked around like a soccer ball.

The giant ball at the top, however, won’t descend, because it is too dangerous. That’s at least what he learned a few years ago when the giant ball was not only knocking over beers buta few people in the Oasis area.

Later this evening, a special Bon-Odori performance will take place. It’s a traditional dance of Buddhist original that honors the spirits of one’s ancestors. All across Japan, people return to their hometown to show their respect to long deceased elders, either by cleaning their graves or hosting a banquet. Chinese communities have a similar custom as it’s the start of the annual ghost month.

At Fuji Rock, the event includes women dancing in traditional dress with fans, noise makers, and later in the evening, some fireworks.