A Mikoshi On My Shoulder

Here is Sende-san, having a go at shaking the mikoshi. The mikoshi is a shine atop several wooden logs. A mikoshi represents an organization within the town. Essentially, it represents pride. A ton of pride. Literally.

I met a gentleman who shook te mikoshi for years. Later he proudly took my hand and rested it on his left shoulder. the man had a baseball sized flesh-bump for a shoulder. He now shouts words of encouragement to the younger generations of shakers. "Whou-SAH!!"
A true MVP.

This is a crazy, yet rewarding experence to be had by all. The harder your team shakes its mikoshi, you win something. Bragging rights? A trip to Takasaki emergency?

We dont know.