Over the weekend I was able to reunite with some friends from last year’s Japan adventures. We had planned on having an afternoon BBQ, but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. My friend Jason and I arrived at Futakoshinchi Station in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, where we picked up marshmallows, drinks, ice, and some other snacks at the store. We followed instructions to the BBQ spot along Tama River and were immediately astonished to see the rows and rows of tents marking individual BBQ areas. Upon seeing the sea of tents, I knew that we were about to have an exciting Japanese experience.
After purchasing wristbands, we found Nozomi and Andreas. Together we carried a grill, table, suitcase full of food, and chairs through the sea of other BBQ-goers, until we had reached our spot. I didn’t realize that all of the equipment was easily rentable through a company that delivered everything to the riverbed grounds. (Thank you Nozomi for organizing everything!) It was drizzling at the time, so we quickly set up our area then began preparing the food. Two other friends eventually joined the festivities. We cooked up onions, a variety of meat, yakisoba, onigiri, eggplant, and pineapple. There were also flavored chips to snack on.
I loved the smell of the BBQ, and it was amazing to see all of the other parties around us. Families and groups of friends all gathered to enjoy cooking and eating together. Kids near us were playing a blindfolded watermelon smash game, while another group was busily making an intricate grilled cake.
Our afternoon continued with cooking and chatting, drinking and resting on the chairs. I was so glad to have had the opportunity to participate in an authentic Japanese BBQ afternoon. I hope to bring similar eating experiences back home to share with my friends and family. It really only requires a grill, food, drinks, and good company.
