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On Aug. 23, a water sprinkling event, Uchimizu Musume Daishugō!! 2015, was held in Akihabara. Cosplayers and maids gathered in Akihabara’s Belle Salle, providing a cool and refreshing atmosphere amid the midsummer heat.
"Uchimizu" in Japanese refers to the act of sprinkling water on the road or in front of a doorway. During the hot summers in Japan, this is often done not only to lower the perceived temperature 1, but also as a religious purification ritual, and as a display of hospitality to attract customers. Uchimizu is being encouraged in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan as a means of combating global warming.
Last year, all event participants were encouraged by police to wear traditional Japanese yukata robes, but this year, the 12th year of the event, some cosplay was permitted, though not by general participants. This change was implemented as part of the "second season" of Uchimizu Musume Daishugo events.
Under the sweltering sun, the Uchimizu Musume gathered together, throwing water from their 8-sided buckets and cheerfully greeting the event guests.
^1^ When the sprinkled water evaporates, it takes heat from the surrounding air, decreasing its temperature.
© Uchimizu Musume Daishugo!! 2015
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.
