Matsuri Goldfish

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Goldfish are one of the symbols of Japanese summer and one of the reasons this is probably so is because of the ubiquitous goldfish booths at local matsuri (festivals). The participant is given a cup and a small “scoop” made rice paper and is allowed to scoop as many goldfish from the trough as they can before the paper tears. Skilled players might scoop a dozen or more smaller fish while a player with an eye on a larger prize might only get one. Fish are taken home to live in a glass bowl, be released in local ponds, or clog toilets.

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