What is Edokko?
Tokyo was called in that old name "Edo" from 1603 to 1867 and even now we sometimes hear
this name especially in "Shitamachi "which is old part of Tokyo like Asakusa, Ryogoku, and eastern side of
Tokyo beyond Sumida.River. About 300years ago, cheeful , joyful and friendly merchants and people
who weren't in upper class. Now Shitamachi had many buildings and lost their old atmosphere,
but partly you can find old and dear one. Especially people who have been living in Tokyo
since it was called Edo are not so many, but still they live in Shitamachi mostly. When we say
"Shitamachi-kko", they grow up in that area and "Edokko" , they have been living in Tokyo at least
more than three generations.
It is famous Edokko likes fireworks, carnival and fire! They also like new and cool stuffs.
They are open-minded, good at taking care of people and have a sense of duty.
This is Edokko.
Kaminari-mon(Gate Of thunder) is the entrance for Senso(Asakusa) Temple. (L)
Sumida River is a symbol of Shitamachi.(R)
One Year of Edokko
This is a kind of schedule for Edokko.
The most preferable event must be Sumida River Fire Works which is
extremely lovely and tells them the summer has come. Local people set up beers
and food on the small table on the backstreet. It's a great party.
| January | 1st/New Year's Day they go to Senso Temple. |
| February | 2nd&3rd/Setsubun With saying "Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi"( Get out, evil! come in, happiness) they throw beans. |
| March-April | Ohanami( have a party seeing cherry blossom) |
| May | Around 2ndSunday/ Sanja Matsuri(carnival) |
| July | 9&10th/
Hoozuki(Ground Cherry) Festival
Last Saturday/Sumida River Fire Works Festival |
| August | around
3rd week/ Bon
Last Satuday/ Samba Carnival |
| November | 3rd/Jidai(Ages)
Festival
3rd,18th,30th/Torinoichi(Tori festival) |
Torinoichi: Festival to hope good business
Images from Shitamachi
Kamiya Bar/old famous bar
Yakatabune/party boat
cat sleeping on the back street
Back street Of Asakusa,
typical image of shitamachi
