Asakusa's Samba Carnival

Above, Asakusa's Sensoji temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japanese and Brazilian cultures couldn't be any more different. But that doesn't stop Asakusa, Tokyo from holding their annual samba carnival.

It sounds odd, but they are able to pull it off and people seem to enjoy it.

This year's Asakusa Samba Carnival will be taking place this Saturday, August 31 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

According to The Japan Times:

Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood is one of the capital’s top tourist destinations. Sensoji Temple and the shopping arcade nearby offer visitors a glimpse into traditional Japan. This coming weekend, though, the area will be full of Brazilian energy and the passionate rhythm and music of samba. 

Now in its 32nd year, the Asakusa Samba Carnival, modeled after the Rio de Janeiro original, has grown to become Japan’s biggest samba festival. Originally started in 1981 after Taito Ward invited over the winning group of that year’s Carnival in Rio, the festival today features thousands of dancers — male and female — dressed up in gorgeous costumes.

 For more, go here.