Firefighters in happi coats perform acrobatic stunts on top of bamboo ladders. The ladder stunts were the main event of Japanese New Year celebrations. The demonstrations, called dezome-shiki, were intended to warn people of the dangers of fire, and to demonstrate the agility and courage of the firefighters.
Via Old Photos of Japan. (h/t, Coudal) And yes, it’s still performed today.
Great blog.
Posted by: nk | May 05, 2009 at 14:50
We could do something similar to demonstrate the agility and courage of MPs.
Posted by: Anna | May 05, 2009 at 18:03
"firefighters" my foot. They were "firemen".
Posted by: AYY | May 06, 2009 at 05:26
Anna,
The sight of Hazel Blears atop a fifty-foot ladder, preferably holding on with her teeth, isn’t without its appeal. Though I think the ladder would have to be on fire and surrounded by lions.
Posted by: David | May 06, 2009 at 07:37
Colourized, shurely?
Posted by: Dr.Dawg | May 09, 2009 at 21:49