Mention Nagasaki and people associate it with one of only two cities in the world which have experienced an atomic bombing.

But Nagasaki also stands out as a city teeming with foreign influences.

Having hailed from Singapore, I wasn’t too mesmerized by Glover Garden tbh. After all, if I wander around my country, I will be able to discover buildings whose architectural styles bear resemblance to the ones in Glover Garden.

The Kunchi Festival, however, had me hooked. First, I had arrived at Nagasaki, just wanting to utilize my long weekend, not aware at all that such a signature festival would be held. Secondly, witnessing the locals work together to carry heavy poles took my breath away. In some instances, children were perched atop the poles AND being thrown upwards into the air by the adults. They continued to play their traditional musical instruments nonchalantly, betraying no sign of fear at all. It was a unique opportunity in which I got to witness the camaraderie of Nagasaki people.