| Around the time when the cherry blossoms along the Matsukawa River are in full bloom, the Zen-nihon Chindon Contest comes to Toyama with the cheerful sound of gongs and drums. About 30 groups, 100 Chindonmen (old-fashioned Japanese advertisement men) gather from all over Japan. This is the one and only contest in Japan, featuring incredibly flashy costumes and cheerful echoing sounds of drums, a shamisen (three-stringed instrument) accompaniment, and a burst of laughter from audience. |
