Tokyo Firefighters Showcase Skills and Tradition at Annual Dezomeshiki Festival

In the heart of Tokyo, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, an ancient tradition unfolds. The dezomeshiki New Year's Fire Review festival, held at the Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, is a testament to the city's rich history and enduring spirit.

Originating in the Edo period (1603-1867), this annual event has been organized by the Tokyo Fire Department to raise fire safety awareness. On this day, the city's firefighters and members of local fire companies gather to showcase their skills and bravery.

The highlight of the festival is the performance by the Edo Firemanship Preservation Association. These skilled individuals, clad in traditional garb, perform amazing acrobatic stunts on ladders, a tradition passed down from the firefighters of Edo, the old name for Tokyo. Their agility and precision are a sight to behold, as they climb and balance on the bamboo ladders with grace and dexterity.

As the firefighters demonstrate their skills, the crowd watches in awe and admiration. The dezomeshiki festival is a reminder of the important role that firefighters play in protecting our communities. It is also a celebration of the city's rich history and the enduring spirit of its people.