Dezome-shiki [New Year Fire Review] 2012

We had so much fun last year when we first attended Dezome-shiki that we decided to attend again this year.  Dezome-shiki, or otherwise known as the New Year Fire Review, is an annual event hosted by the Tokyo Fire Department to demonstrate the dangers of fires and promote safety.  During the Edo period, several fires erupted in Edo (present-day Tokyo) where many buildings were built of paper and wood.  Dezome-shiki began with a parade of firemen praying in front of Ueno Toshugu Shrine for a safe year.

The event is held at a parking lot at Tokyo Big Sight, a convention center in Ariake.  It was a cloudy morning, but it soon cleared up.

Special Rescue Team


I still cannot get over the fact that they have fire trucks this small.  Completely understandable with the tiny streets.  It's almost a kid-size car.


My favorite part of the event is beginning!  It's amazing to watch these men dressed as firemen during the Edo period perform acrobatic stunts on top of the bamboo ladder.  

I didn't even notice that his right foot was touching his left shoulder until I uploaded it onto my computer.


I can't believe he's holding himself up with his ankles.  There was actually an accident during the performance (with another man) where he fell from the top of the ladder.  Luckily, there are many men at the base to catch his fall as well as paramedics on hand.  Seriously, though, it was scary, and I hope he's fine.


Here's a mini video of the men in action:


They have mock buildings that they set on fire, and pretty much all of the fire trucks, ambulances, quick attackers (motorcycle units), and helicopters came to save the day.


After seeing the pararescuemen jump from the helicopters, TJ now wants to become one.

Watching the finale of the show.


I wish I caught the rainbow in the water this year.  Oh, well.


After the parade and demonstrations, we went into the exhibition hall to see the fire trucks and other exhibits.

I spy a big, red fire truck!


These firemen are so friendly.  We were walking by this fire truck, and they opened the door so that the kids could sit in it.  CJ's getting ready to drive it.


TJ controlling the ladder.


Climbing along the rope looks like a great activity for kids.



My kids' favorite part?  Driving the fire truck.


Posing with Kyuta, Tokyo Fire Department's mascot.  Apparently his costume is symbolic—his blue hat represents water, the red suit represents fearlessness, his yellow antenna lights up when he detects danger, and his chest is imprinted with the emergency telephone number, 119.




Dezome-shiki
Date: January 6
Exhibit: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Show Time: 9:35 am - 11:50 am
Fee: FREE

Location: Tokyo Big Sight (E6, East Parking Lot)
3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan 135-0063
Phone: 03-5530-1111
Website: http://www.bigsight.jp/english/index.html

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