Dezome Shiki (Fireman's Parade)

Dezome Shiki (Fireman's Parade)

Dezome-shiki, the Fireman's Parade or the New Year's parade of fire brigades as it is popularly called is an annual event of Tokyo which involves the showcasing of the acrobatic expertise of the fire fighters atop a tall ladder. These stunts are presented by the personnel of the Tokyo Fire Defense agency. This celebration is a New year gift for the Japanese from the defense personnel.

The fire fighters of the Tokyo municipality and community fire fighting teams showcase their talents atop the ladder on the streets of Tokyo. The annual event is watched and enjoyed by thousands who come down to the streets cheering and encouraging the performers. This parade is also utilized by the fire fighters to showcase the latest firefighting and rescue practice in the business. This is a century old tradition and is one of the most coveted event of the city and the country as well.

As history beckons 50 workers were put on work to lend a hand in keeping the damage caused by the fire to a minimum extent at each of the Kaga feudal lord's estate in Edo. The fire was successfully extinguished and the men employed earned lot of fame from the incident. These men from the Edo province became invited to Kanazawa to exhibit their adorned skills in fire fighting using manual fire engines and fire hooks and ladders on New Year's Day. Then onwards the ceremony has been taking place every year and the name Kagatobi Dezome-shiki has been coined.

One of the most impressive events of Tokyo, Dezome-shiki takes is staged at the Tokyo Big Sight Convention Centre on 6 January annually. The performers mostly the firemen dress themselves up according to the Edo-period costumes to perform the stunts. Later they climb on the ladders to showcase the tricks at the Harumi Pier in Chuo Dori.

Edo, as Tokyo was called during the period between 1603-1868 when the city was also known as the city of fires. During this period, Tokyo had to face a lot of fire threats and so the fire-fighting stunts became a part of the tradition of lifestyle of Tokyo. From these early occurrences Edo fighting became popular in Tokyo. Even today the age old traits of Edo fighting is incorporated in the present Dezome-shiki.

The 5,000 odd professionals participating in the drills every year presents an exciting and enthralling show in front of thousands of locals and tourists. The thrilling and tension-filled atmosphere offers a never before witnessed experience to the spectators. More than 200 fire trucks many choppers are used in today's ceremonies.

Other than the usual fire fighting stunts by the personnel, special helicopters are also showcased in the shows. Yuri-kamome, the world's only helicopter which is capable of spraying chemicals horizontally to fight flames was introduced to the spectacle in the 1998 version of the event.

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