Niihama Taiko Festival

The drum festival of Niihama in Ehime centers on a parade in which participants carry giant, decorated drum stands, each around 5.5 meters high and weighing around 3 tons. Each is carried by a team of some 150 people in a heroic display of strength, accompanied by chants, cheers, and rhythmic drumming. The sounds of drumming, chants of the stand-bearers as they raise the drum stands, and the cheering of the crowds create an exciting atmosphere. The festival takes place in October each year.