bike mounted samurai and 2012 Kamakura Festival

Last Sunday was the parade to kick off the 2012 Kamakura Festival. As some of you already know, I belong to a group of nutcases whom make replica samurai armor and costumes, then don the outfits and participate in various events to help promote Kamakura's bid to be selected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. On that day, I commuted to City Hall on my Harley while dressed as legendary warlord Saitoh Dohzan, then changed into the outfit for legendary warrior monk Saitoh Musashiboh Benkei to participate in the parade. (The actual "armor" is the same for both characters, just the costume underneath the armor is different.) Many thanks to my friend Rick for taking the photos. Another friend, Mr. Ohkuma, was amongst the spectators whom were standing along the parade route and took one of the photos as well.

I even met ATGATT standards! The samurai helmet worn while on the bike is a cleverly concealed 3/4 helmet which has the Japanese equivalent of DOT certification. The shinguards are merely painted motorcycle units. While I couldn't wear my usual boots due to interference with the outfit/shinguards, those are steel-toed safety sneakers I am wearing. The eyeglasses were exchanged for some safety rated sunglasses prior to launch.

Awesome!!!!! I have always wanted my own red and black set.

Very Cool WP...thanks!

super cool bill.
glad that you had the opportunity to participate in such a historic event.
thanks for posting.

leon

Great pics.
Thanks for sharing.
Mark