Today I participated in a Japanese festival by helping to carry a mikoshi to a local shrine. A mikoshi is a portable shrine carried by several people on their shoulders. By several people I mean more than thirty, and by portable I mean it weighs as much as a small car.
We carried the mikoshi about 3 km through very hilly terrain, behind a truckload of taiko drummers, and with a police escort. My shoulders hurt but it was a blast.
And of course the next person I hear complaining about having to walk in a parade will get an earful.
