Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2012

On June 3 the rapidly soaring sector of Asagaya comes alight once more with the magnificent all-day Star Road Festival. The fourth instance of this local initiative will include ten different street performances including clowns and what not, and an Awaodori summer parade—a form of the bon odori dance that welcomes the spirits on their annual visit to the land of the living. For those keen on seeing how Okinawans shake their booty, there will also be an Eisa dance, the Ryukyu version. Local outlets will keep the beer flowing and the karaage crackling, and will be doling out one-coin curry—a ¥100 coin, that is.