Osaka’s Kishiwada Danjiri Festival kicks off on September 13. The highlight of the centuries-old festival, the yarimawashi---sharp right-angle turns at full speed—draws loud cheers from crowds. The festival continues until late at night on the 13th, with shrine visits set for the 14th.  

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Suzuki Jun, YTV Camera Reporter: It is 5:45 in the morning. The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival has started.  

At 6 a.m., 34 giant wooden floats--each over 4 meters tall and weighing more than 4 tons--charged through the castle town of Kishiwada to the shouts of men pulling the ropes. 

 The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, which has continued for more than 300 years since the Edo period, is famous for the yarimawashi—sharp right-angle turns made while running at full speed. 

 During the runs, several men are standing on top of the shrine float. So this thrilling matsuri is so popular in Japan. 

 Each successful turn drew loud cheers from spectators along the streets.   

 The maneuver requires perfect coordination and comes with serious risks, as falls and crashes have caused injuries in past years. 

 The sight of the giant floats thundering through narrow streets, sometimes tilting dangerously, brings loud cheers and gasps from spectators. 

 Suzuki Jun, YTV camera reporter: This may be the most dangerous shop, exciting liquor shop. 

 For locals, the festival is a symbol of community spirit and bravery passed down for generations. 

 The festival continued until 10 p.m. on the 13th and on the 14th, the floats made the traditional miyairi –entering the shrine to offer prayers. 

 Suzuki Jun, YTV camera reporter: This is Danjiri. This is huge Danjiri. Please try coming to this festival. Thank you very much.