The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

JAPANESE POPULAR CUSTOM

IN TOKYO, THE FIRE BRIGADE DEMONSTRATE AND PARADE
(DEZOMESHIKI) IN THE OUTER GARDEN OF MEIJI SHRINE,
WHICH IS THE LARGEST SHRINE IN TOKYO, NAMED AFTER
THE GREATEST JAPANESE EMPEROR; OR IN THE HIBIYA PARK,
A PUBLIC COURTING AND PLAYING PARK.
THE FIREMEN PERFORM ACROBATIC FEATS AT THE TOP OF
BAMBOO LADDERS. THEY ARE ARTISTS ON HIGH LADDERS--
BALANCING ACTS. THEY DO IT IN OLD STYLE UNIFORMS
EVEN NOW. THEY DO THIS FOR MANY YEARS, MANY, MANY
YEARS NOW. IT IS VERY POPULAR DEMONSTRATION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR

Date learned: 02-04-1968