Dezome-shiki: New Year’s Parade of Firemen
The much anticipated Dezome-shiki (New Year’s Parade of Firemen), organized by the Tokyo Fire Department to usher in the New Year, begins with a stunning display of daredevil feats that rival the famous acrobatic acts of Cirque du Soleil.
In early January of each year, over 2,500 firefighters of the municipal fire departments and community firefighting teams showcase their skills at the latest rescue and firefighting techniques. Firefighters dressed in firemen attire from the Edo Period (1603-1868) exhibit not just their expert firefighting skills, but also display acrobatic prowess with ladders from the same era in their performance.
City of Fires
During the Edo Period, huge fires ravaged large portions of Edo (now Tokyo), causing heavy damage. The Jobikeshi Fire Brigade was formed in 1657, after the first big fire known as Meireki no Taika. This began the development of strategies to safeguard the people and the city from fires. Soon, fire corps were stationed in four locations in Edo.
Ladders made from bamboo were deemed an important tool in firefighting. At the time, the ideal way to combat fire time was to tear down the surrounding buildings to keep fire from spreading. Speed was essential and nimble people were needed to climb the roofs. These were usually scaffold workers who also doubled as firefighters.
Today, Dezome-shiki is a grand event that not only entertains but also educates the public on the hazards of fire. The huge parade of firefighters and around 100 helicopters and fire engines is truly spectacular.
In mid-November, KCP students visited Edo-Tokyo Museum where they saw first-hand the artifacts used by firefighters during the Edo era.
A KCP student holds up a matoi, a symbol for a firefighter to carry and wave on a roof as an alert to fire nearby. | KCP Flickr
