Drums Echo Through Japan as Centuries-Old Autumn Parade Returns

Drums echo through Japan as centuries-old autumn parade returns

Crowds lined the streets of Matsue City in western Japan on Sunday to witness the traditional autumn parade known as dogyoretsu, a centuries-old celebration featuring giant drums.

Video. Drums echo through Japan as centuries-old autumn parade returns

The event, held near the city’s historic Matsue Castle in Shimane Prefecture, saw participants carry and play massive “do” drums measuring about 1.5 metres across as they paraded through the streets. Originating in the Edo period between the 17th and 19th centuries, the dogyoretsu parade featured 17 floats representing local neighbourhood associations and other groups. Accompanied by the sounds of bamboo flutes and small “changara” cymbals, the …