| Before the Festival -- Everyone lines up and gets into position for the big parade as vendors sell trinkets, souvenirs, and food and drink. |
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The Palanquins -- A look at the mikoshi of Tenjin Matsuri. In ancient times it was believed that they carried the gods housed in these portable shrines to view the city. |  |
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| The Procession -- Once everyone is ready, the large procession begins through the city streets of Osaka as more than one million people watch! |
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Parade
on the Water -- The procession finishes at the river as the mikoshi
and tens of thousands of people are loaded onto boats and barges to see
a spectacular fireworks display. |
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