This decorated float (Kakiyama) is used in the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, one of the most time-honored festivals in Japan, dating back about 760 years. The climax of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa is the oiyama, which begins in the early morning on July 15 every year. Seven giant floats compete for the best time on a five-kilometer course. Kakiyama float supported by six poles and are held together by only hemp ropes, without a single nail. Each weighs one ton, and is pulled by a team of about two dozen men. The supporting poles have been removed from this float for display.

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