Danjiri fes Osaka

The Danjiri festival is said to have originated in 1703 and started as a harvest festival. The floats are intricately carved with scenes from famous battles and there are 30 different Danjiri (floats), each one is owned by a different neighborhood.The most exciting time comes when the danjiri teams turn corners. The danjiris are very heavy. The teams pull very quickly to the sound of drums, and encouraging shouts. It is a very exciting moment. Dancing on the very top roof is one of the local carpenters. This is a great honor and very dangerous. As you view the pictures note the danjiri's wood carvings depicting Japanese battle history. Evenings see a much calmer pace, as the danjiri add red lanterns and slowly process along the streets.

Koichi Saito, Imani Art Club, Japan