Members of the Edo Firemanship Preservation Association performed breathtaking acrobatic stunts atop ladders during the Tokyo Fire Department's annual dezomeshiki New Year's event at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo's Koto Ward. The tradition, dating back to the Edo period, aims to boost firefighters' morale and raise public awareness of fire safety. Around 2,900 participants, including firefighters and volunteers, joined this year's gathering.
On January 6, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, Tokyo, members of the Edo Firemanship Preservation Association captivated the crowd with acrobatic stunts performed atop ladders during the Tokyo Fire Department's dezomeshiki New Year's event. This annual tradition originated in the Edo period (1603-1867) and serves to enhance firefighters' morale while promoting fire safety awareness among the public.
Approximately 2,900 people, including firefighters and volunteer firefighters, participated in this year's event. In addition to the thrilling ladder performances, the gathering featured a parade of fire trucks moving through the venue. Dezomeshiki plays a vital role in preserving traditional Japanese firefighting practices and underscores Tokyo's commitment to fire prevention education.