The Yomatsuri Festival based in Chichibu, Japan is a three-day festival held at the beginning of December based on the story of two lovers who can only meet on one night in out of the year.  During this festival, mikoshi (portable shrine) and six yatai (floats), representing different parts of the city are carried to and from the Suwa Chichibu shrine.  During the precession of the yatai away from the shrine on the third day, music is played within the float using drums diagonally so the performer can fit.  Za Ondekoza, led by Den Tagayasu, learned and transcribed the taiko rhythms played during this precession in 1972.  It soon became the centerpiece of their repertoire and resonated around the world into our courtyard!

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