Festival honors firefighters in Japan

All throughout Japanese history, and up until recently, most people here lived in flimsy wooden houses that were packed closely together. Small fires were used for heating and cooking. Times have changed, of course, but even now most homes have kerosene heaters, which allow one room at a time to glow with precious warmth. The other rooms remain icy cold. In fact, in the region where I live most people sleep with no heat. In this day and age that is quite remarkable considering how cold Japan becomes in winter.

Since Japan is a country that trembles readily with frequent earthquakes, this heating arrangement of kerosene heaters is extremely dangerous. To keep vigilant watch, small fire trucks roam the streets on a regular basis, clanging their reassuring bell as they pass.

Due to the close reality of devastating fire, this archipelago’s firefighters have always been highly revered. In fact, they are so honored that every year in early January there is a “Festival of Firefighters”. During that wonderful event, every member of the city’s force is there. (That is, except a skeletal crew left in each ward in case of actual fire that day.) I find it impressive and touching to see these men and women dressed in fine black suits or uniforms standing in perfect, orderly rows, waiting for the exact moment to begin the ceremonies.

There is a marching band, with drum majorettes who encourage the participants to march handsomely, steps high, eyes straight ahead. Proud. Members are actual firefighters, of course, and also office staff, volunteers, rescue dogs, and radiant trucks with sirens whirring and their vivid red sides glistening in the sun.

The crowds are mostly old people, appreciative of a time these brave folks came to their rescue, and families, especially ones with young boys. Of course, the round, excited faces and bubbling energy of the kids is a delightful and necessary contrast to the precision and orderliness of the parade.

Japan is a formality-loving country, so there are many speeches and awards, accompanied by profuse and formal bows. On one side these bows express gratitude for the past year’s efforts; and on the other, promises for continued devoted service to the community.

The most unique aspect of the day is a performance given by men dressed in 400 years ago Edo Era outfits. Several teams of men with hooked rods raise and hold up bamboo ladders on which one or two men do acrobatic stunts. The purpose is not only to entertain the crowds, but also to reassure people of the men’s dexterity, strength, and impressive, perfectly coordinated teamwork. Unfortunately women are not included in this demonstration.

While this performance is going on, another man on yet another bamboo ladder rhythmically clangs a gong: the traditional way of alerting the town of incendiary danger. The atmosphere seems more full, much richer with this age-old tradition of sound kept alive.

Then the scene quickly flashes forward several centuries to men rappelling down the walls of the City Hall, scrambling across long ropes, and spraying the performance square with blasts of forceful, mist-making water.

This yearly event is always informative, reassuring and fun. It enables the community to honor those who keep them safe. And in Japan expressing gratitude is one of the main fibers that holds this culture together. Likewise, it allows the firefighters to renew a sense of promise and dedication to their important work, imbuing it with even greater dignity and pride. And indeed, being a firefighter here is not “just” a job. It is a profession: and a very highly respected one at that.