Tullet and things

Last evening, we ventured to the nearby city of Goshogowara for Tachi-Neputa, which as you can see by the pictures means "Standing-Neputa." These floats are gigantic! See the wee-little policeman guarding this massive float, the float is 10 times bigger than him!! Watch out wee-little man; you're about to be hacked to death by this outraged samurai warroir clouded in fire!!


The monstrous float below is the opening float. The drums are loud enough to make your heart mummer!!

These gargantuous floats are pulled around the down town streets by strings of dancers followed by drummers who are followed by flutists who are trailed by cymbalers finally followed by a mass of dancers. These three instruments are the common ones used in all Neputa related parades.

One unique characteristic to Tachi-Neputa are the many groups of choreographed dancers clad in traditional Japanese styled clothing.

Another unique characteristic of Tachi-Neputa and quite obviously not so impressive is the amount of drunkenness allowed. Although we enjoyed the humongous floats and the traditional dancers, we were not so fond of the drunken revelry which trails the entire parade. Those of you living in America should be quite thankful you live in a country that prohibits public intoxication and public indecency because it was rather sad to see young women running around in their bras and children being dragged around by their intoxicated parents. This video only gives you a little idea of why you should be so thankful.

On a more positive note, an aspect of the festival that is not unique to Tachi-Neputa or any country it may seem, was the appearance of the wonderfulness of the Mullet. This one was worn quite beautifully, which we feel immensely lucky to have witnessed twice! in one day!! We believe this is of the species known as the Tiger Mullet or Tullet for short. Although the picture does not provide a perfect viewing of the rareness of the Tullet, you may be able to observe the varying colors of orange and brown within the mane. This must have been a very mature specimen as the mane was rather long reaching to about mid-back. A rarity indeed! This was quite possibly the best part of the day!!