Matsuri da! (67) Here come the kasedori!

WHAT WOULD YOU IMAGINE if you were walking down the street and came upon a scene of people throwing confetti on the creatures shown in the photograph?

If you guessed that it was a promotion for the Kasedori Festival to be held on 11 February in the city of Kaminoyama, you’re either very lucky or know a lot about what happens in Yamagata!

Five of Kaminoyama’s famed kasedori appeared at the JR Yamagata station on Sunday to get people excited about next month’s event. Judging from the expressions on their faces, it seems to have worked!

Those straw coats they’re wearing are called kendai. A helpful website with details on the festival explains that those handmade coats are light and scratchy when new, but get heavier and more comfortable with age.

The kasedori jumped around and made odd bird noises while the onlookers showered them with confetti instead of the water they will be drenched with next month. Originally a fire prevention festival that dates from the mid-17th century, the Kasedori died out in 1896 and then was brought back to life in 1956. It is now held in supplication for prosperity in commerce and household safety, as well as for fire prevention.
　
You too can train to be a kasedori! It’s easy and fun, according to the website. And be sure to take a look at the photos while you’re there!

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