Tokyo Fire Department Holds Annual New Year Firefighting Ceremony

TOKYO, Jan 07 (News On Japan) - The Tokyo Fire Department held its annual New Year firefighting ceremony, known as the dezome-shiki, a traditional event aimed at promoting fire prevention and disaster preparedness, during which firefighters demonstrated ladder-climbing techniques that date back to the Edo period and reflect the city’s historic fire brigade culture.

The ceremony, held every year as part of efforts to raise awareness of fire safety, featured the iconic hashigo-nori performances, in which firefighters balance atop tall ladders to display skills passed down from generations of Edo-era firemen.

Alongside the traditional displays, the department carried out firefighting and rescue drills based on a scenario involving a major earthquake striking directly beneath the capital, with simulated fires and building collapses used to test emergency response capabilities.

Fire Chief Ichikawa said the department would work as one team to further strengthen its disaster response capabilities so that people can live with peace of mind, reaffirming the Tokyo Fire Department’s commitment to fire prevention and disaster preparedness at the start of the new year.

Source: テレ東BIZ

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