Yamaksa Dictionary

Mizubusoku

Water problems:
The festival marking the end of Japans rainy season, there is usually more than enough fresh water, to use as “vitality water” and shower the carriers with. However there have been years, in which rainfall was unusually sparse and problems concerning the water arose.
Such a year was 1994 as there was not enough water for the usual festivals consumption. While Japan doesn’t experience the kind of drouts as, for example California did rescently, the Chou-districts zoo had problems keeping their animals supplied with water.
While this year was a great event for spectators, since there was no rain, it was only made bearable for the carriers by the little water they were allowed to use and the help of the citys firefighters, who opened a fire hydrant on one or two occasions.