The mikoshi, or portable shrine, is a favourite of most Japanese festivals, but at the one in Kawagoe, the lifting of such far from light objects is instead forfeited for unfeasibly large floats; heavy and hulking monsters which, when manoeuvred around the city’s relatively narrow streets, are quite a spectacle to say the least.
Allowing the older fellas who lead them to feel understandably important,
and proud.
Although those doing the pushing and pulling all day are perhaps justified in feeling a little bit peeved.
But on the whole it’s a chance for participants of all ages to have a tremendous amount of fun in traditional togs,
as well as timidly tackling a little toddle around town.
