16. Niihama Taiko Matsuri: Niihama

Overview

At the Niihama Taiko Matsuri in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture, teams of around 150 people carry taikodai: three-tonne parade floats housing a huge taiko drum. In a spectacular display of strength, the bearers raise the float up above their heads. They then keep their arms straight as they turn the taikodai, and move it as impressively as they can. The display takes the form of a contest with multiple teams attempting to give the most powerful synchronized performance.