日本の伝統的な木造家屋は、風、洪水、地震に対する耐性が理想的です。
The
traditional wooden house of Japan is ideal in its resistance to wind, flood,
and earthquake.
But in
the past, “Taika 大火Great fires” burned so freely that
houses.
That
houses weren’t expected to last more than twenty years.
“Taika
Great fires” occurred at especially in the early months of the year when the
weather is dry and strong winds blow.
“Hikeshi
Fire 火消し
brigades/Fire extinguish groups” were organized in the
“Edo-jidai 江戸時代Period” to combat the deadly
conflagrations that periodically ruined Edo.
In 1718
(Kyōho 3), “Machi-Hikeshi
“Iroha Shi-jū-hachi
Gumi
The four
“Hiragana
On the
east side of “Sumida-gawa River”, “Honjo 本所” and “Fukagawa 深川” area, there were 16 “Hikeshi 火消しFire brigades”.
Because
no water or hoses were available, the main technique of “Hikeshi Fire fighting”
in those days was to contain the fire by chopping down the wooden houses
surrounding the blaze.
The
special irony of this was that the “Hikeshi Fire brigades” who tore down the
buildings were also “Tobishoku
They
were in effect tearing down what they would later be hired to rebuild.
One
wonders whether a conflict of interest might have been behind their reputation
of being so quick and efficient.
Armed
with nothing but “Tobiguchi 鳶口 Pickaxes” made of
wood and metal, they climbed up roofs on bamboo ladders and hacked away.
They
wore special clothing including long “Hanten
“Zukin
Fires
occurred very frequently, and there was also a “Senjin-arasoi
The
heroic appearance of “Machi-hikeshi Town Fire brigades” that confronts the
great fire was praised as “Fire and Fighting is Brilliant Symbol of Edo”.
Street
fighting by local “Hikeshi 火消しFire brigade” is a
scene often found on “Kabuki 歌舞伎” stage.
A crowd
of proud, men who had “Irezumi 刺青 Tattoo” clash with
a similar gang of toughs, issuing a barrage of insults.
The
“Megumi no Kenka め組の喧嘩Fight” that occurred in 1805 (Bunka
2) was also featured in the “Kabuki” program during the Meiji Era.
The
origin of “Dezome-shiki 出初式Ceremony” is the
ritual of “Hikeshi Fire brigade” in “Edo-jidai Period”.
“Machi
fire extinguisher” was held in January every year with a “Matoi” symbolizing
each group, walking through the towns in the group and performing “ladder
rides” and “wooden songs”.
“Wooden
singing” was originally a work song, and was sung as a cue and signal to bring
the power together when working with multiple people.
“Matoi”
incorporates the horse symbol of the general on the battlefield as the flag of
the “Town Fire Fighter” group.
The
height of the cocoon is about 2.4m and weighs about 20kg.
There
are many types of “Hanten 半纏 Wear” worn by
“fire extinguisher”, depending on the combination of symbols, patterns, letters
and numbers.
“Meiji 明治Era” brought many changes, including the Westernization of the
fire-fighting system.
Fire
trucks, hoses, and water came into use.
“Hikeshi
火消
brigades” traditional waterless fire fighter days were over.
“Edo
Shōbō Kinenkai江戸消防記念会 Edo Fire Fighters Memorial
Association” was formed to preserve the tradition of “Hikeshi Fire fighting”.
Every
year in early January, “Dezome-shiki Ceremony” including performance of
“Hashigo-nori 梯子乗り Acrobat” is held and the flavor of
the former days is retained.
The members
of “Edo Shōbō Kinenkai” show off their skills, balance, and daring at
“Dezome-shiki Ceremony”.
“Hashigo-nori
Acrobat” is performed on 6.5-meter ladders made of bamboo and rope.
While
twelve men secure the ladder with their “Tobiguchi Pickaxes”, a man climbs up
and balances himself on ladder in flamboyant and daring pose.
There
are no wires or nets to protect these men on ladder and the cantilevering poses
are rather frightening to watch.