At the Niihama Taiko Matsuri in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture, teams of around 150 people carry taikodai: three-tonne parade floats housing a huge taiko drum. In a spectacular display of strength, the bearers raise the float up above their heads. They then keep their arms straight as they turn the taikodai, and move it as impressively as they can. The display takes the form of a contest with multiple teams attempting to give the most powerful synchronized performance.
These men are carrying a "taikodai," a three-tonne float bearing a large taiko drum.
What might they be building up to?
"They've lifted it up!"
"And while it's held aloft,
they're turning it around!"
In response to a signal, the team of 150 bearers have raised the float up in a perfectly coordinated movement.
This is Niihama Taiko Matsuri, an incredible display of strength that takes place every October.
Niihama, in Ehime Prefecture, is a city of many large factories.
The festival is said to date back over a thousand years.
Originally it featured a mikoshi, or portable shrine, accompanied by people beating small drums.
As Japan modernized in the 19th century, the town prospered and the drums got bigger.
The festival evolved into a show of strength.
The taikodai are made in each neighborhood.
Right at the bottom is a taiko drum.
Above that is an elaborately decorated 5-meter-tall frame.
It features raised golden embroidery.
Each group uses different motifs, including dragons and historical figures.
Over three days, the taikodai are presented to the public at local shrines, plazas and parking lots.
This year, the largest display was held at this junction.
It was closed off to traffic, and from 5 to 8 PM, the taikodai bearers performed.
"Let the competition begin!"
The presentation takes the form of a contest.
Each team has six minutes to show what they can do.
Town officials are the judges.
The first taikodai appears.
Simply carrying it is pretty challenging.
Four conductors coordinate the movements.
When they give the sign, the bearers raise the float.
The taikodai is held aloft with straight arms.
How smoothly can they do it?
Can they hold it steady?
And for how long can they keep this up?
They need both skill and strength.
It may look easy, but it's actually very difficult.
If the team lacks power, they won't be able to lift the float.
And if they're not in sync, their balance will suffer.
A falling float can be very dangerous.
The key thing is to give your all, at any risk, to honor deities and the local community.
There's a lot riding on each performance.
Let's take a look at one of the best teams.
"They lifted it up! They lifted it up!"
When they shake the float, its white tassels bounce rhythmically.
This is one indicator of a good performance.
"They're holding it up for a long time,
and the shaking is good."
"They've successfully lowered
the float to their shoulders."
The bearers move in unison, guided by the conductors.
They call out enthusiastically, and the taikodai dances in the air.
Now for the final performance of the day.
"Here they come!"
This team were champions the last time the event was held.
"And they're off!"
The 150 or so float bearers chant along to the conductors' whistles and the pounding drums.
"The sound of the taiko is
resounding up to the heavens."
"They lifted it up!"
Rotating the taikodai while holding it aloft is an especially difficult skill.
The float should turn smoothly on its central axis.
"They're holding it for a long time."
"Keep going!"
The team held the float up for around one minute.
It was the longest time of the day.
"We will now announce this year's
third-place team."
"Shinden Taikodai! Congratulations!"
"The second-place team is..."
"Matano Taikodai!"
"You put on a wonderful show."
"And finally, this year's winners are..."
"Matsumiko Taikodai!"
"Please give them a huge
round of applause!"