CHOSHI HANE TAIKO is a rare form of festival TAIKO indigenous to Choshi (Chiba Prefecture) that has been in existence since the seventeenth century.
It is designated as an Intangible Cultural Asset of Choshi.
It is unique in that each drum is carried by two performers, supported by the neck and torso of each player. Beating the drum, the players leap into the air as they play the drum and rotate while airborne.
This awesome performance has been referred overseas as "Japanese Magic Drums".
The origin of HANE TAIKO is not certain, but it is related to fishing. One possibility is that it originates from "Norizome", a religious observance held when fishing fleet leave for their catch on the lunar new year day.
Another possible origin is the "Oshio Matsuri" (Big Tide Festival) held in June of lunar calendar.
