Introducing the "Hachioji Matsuri" Video This time, we are introducing the "Hachioji Matsuri Introduction Video" produced by the "Hachioji Matsuri" team. The video showcases the summer festival "Hachioji Matsuri" in Hachioji City, Tokyo Metropolis. It features scenes of 19 ornate floats parading along Koshu-kaido, detailed introductions to the floats' unique characteristics, and highlights of various captivating events. Please take a look at this video that encapsulates the charm of the Hachioji Matsuri. What is the Hachioji Matsuri? The Hachioji Matsuri is a representative festival of Hachioji City, Tokyo Metropolis. Also known as the Hachioji City Citizens' Festival, it is famous as one of the leading float festivals in the Kanto region. The origins of the Hachioji Matsuri trace back to the "Citizens' Festival" that began in 1961. At that time, it was held as "3,000 People Evening Coolness" in Fujimori Park. Currently, the main venue is along Koshu-kaido (National Route 20), attracting many people from both within and outside the city for this grand summer event. Notably, the float festival, which has been continued since the Edo period by the local deities in the Hachioji city area, is impressive and bustling with many people. The festival at Taga Shrine is called "Kami-no-Matsuri" (Upper Festival), and the festival at Hachimanyagumo Shrine is called "Shimo-no-Matsuri" (Lower Festival). The Hachioji Matsuri features various events, including the grand float procession, folk song performances, lion dances, traditional music performances, ice sculpture exhibitions, and the Kanto Taiko Grand Battle, where performances of Japanese drums are held. There are also gatherings for children's traditional dance. Particularly, the "Miya Mikoshi Togyo" (Shrine Palanquin Procession), where a massive palanquin weighing about 3 tons called the "Sengan Mikoshi" progresses through the city, is overwhelming, and its grandeur and power captivate many people's hearts. Additionally, the "Yoimiya-no-Mai" (Evening Shrine Dance) performed by Hachioji Geisha in the evening is also a popular event. The highlight of the Hachioji Matsuri is the "Yamaboko-no-Butsuke" (Float Clash), where the ornate floats compete. Floats are large carts adorned with decorations such as dolls and flowers, and are often considered works of art. The "Yamaboko-no-Butsuke" is a competition where floats face each other, and the local spirit is showcased through this clash. When the floats appear in the streets of Hachioji, the carvings on the floats are illuminated, creating a more fantastical atmosphere. The sight of 19 floats parading is worth seeing! The powerful floats and the "Butsuke" (clash) showcase the traditional festival, which is also perfect for Instagram photos, so many people share the festival's content on social media. For more information, please visit the official website of the Hachioji Matsuri.