市消防団、市消防本部など関係者が一堂に集い、今年１年の無火災と無災害を祈念する市消防出初式が４日、いわき芸術文化交流館「アリオス」で開催された。
これに合わせ、同館前の平中央公園をはじめ、平や内郷、好間の各地区では、江戸時代から続く新春の伝統行事「はしご乗り」の演技が披露され、大正時代から継承してきた市消防団第１支団第１分団と第５支団第３分団の太夫たちが妙技を繰り広げた。
今季は第１分団から１０人、第３分団からは６人が太夫に選ばれ、昨年の暮れから仕事を終えてから時間を割いて練習に励んできた。
太夫たちは本番当日、朝からそれぞれの地区で技を繰り広げたあと、アリオスへ。出初式終了後に平中央公園でも演技し、多くの市民らが見守る中、高さ５・５ｍのはしご３基を立てて３人一緒に「遠見」「膝八艘（ひざはっそう）」「胴鯱（どうしゃち）」といった妙技を披露した。
見物客たちは肝が冷えるような技の数々を目前にし、驚きの声とともに拍手喝さい。また、太夫たちは新年らしく、はしごの上から縁起物として飴やお菓子を周囲にまくなどして、会場を大いに盛り上げた。
（写真：平中央公園で華麗な技を披露する太夫）
English Translation
Iwaki City Firefighting New Year’s Review: Traditional Ladder Stunts Pray for a Safe Year
On the 4th, the Iwaki City Firefighting New Year’s Review (Dezome-shiki) was held at the Iwaki Alios Art and Culture Hub. The event brought together members of the city’s volunteer fire corps, the fire department, and other related officials to pray for a year free from fires and disasters.
In conjunction with the ceremony, performances of “Hashigo-nori” (ladder climbing stunts)—a traditional New Year’s event dating back to the Edo period—were held at Taira Central Park in front of the venue, as well as in the Taira, Uchigo, and Yoshima districts. The “Tayu” (performers) from the 1st Branch 1st Division and the 5th Branch 3rd Division of the city’s volunteer fire corps showcased their superb skills, continuing a legacy maintained since the Taisho era.
This season, 10 performers from the 1st Division and 6 from the 3rd Division were selected as Tayu. Since late last year, they have been training rigorously, carving out time to practice after finishing their regular jobs.
On the day of the event, after performing in their respective districts starting in the morning, the Tayu gathered at Alios. Following the conclusion of the review ceremony, they performed at Taira Central Park. Under the watchful eyes of many citizens, they erected three 5.5-meter-high ladders and performed synchronized maneuvers such as “Tomi” (distant view), “Hiza-hasso” (knee-lock), and “Do-shachi” (the dolphin pose).
The spectators cheered and applauded as they witnessed the spine-tingling stunts up close. Adding to the festive New Year’s atmosphere, the Tayu also threw candy and snacks—considered lucky charms—from the top of the ladders, greatly exciting the crowd.
(Photo: Tayu performing elegant stunts at Taira Central Park)
Geminiにて翻訳しております。
