OSAKA -- On July 23, women in red "happi" coats took part in the "Gal Mikoshi" event before Osaka's Tenjin Festival. This is a special summer tradition in the city.

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Eighty women, aged 16 to 30, were chosen from 135 people who wanted to join. They carried two "mikoshi" (portable shrines) through Tenjinbashisuji shopping street in Osaka's Kita Ward. As they walked, they shouted, "Wasshoi, wasshoi," with lots of energy.

The women wore happi coats and headbands to feel strong and happy. Even though it was very hot, they smiled and carried the 200-kilogram shrines. Many people watched and cheered for them.

One woman, 24-year-old Kiri Tsutsui, joined for the first time. She said, "I was nervous during the audition, but I'm really glad I was chosen. The Gal Mikoshi is truly exciting. I wasn't embarrassed at all and shouted from my belly. My colleagues are coming to watch, so I'm putting my all into it."

(Japanese original by Hayato Matsubara, Osaka City News Department)

Vocabulary

audition: a test to see if you can join an event or group

colleague: a person you work with

spectator: a person who watches an event

tradition: something people do every year or for a long time