Yoshida Ryusei Bamboo Rocket Festival

The offering of Ryusei is a Shinto ritual held at Muku-jinja Shrine at this large fall festival. It has been classified as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Saitama Prefecture. The Ryusei were once made by farmers out of pine or young bamboo pipes and were shot into the air with gunpowder. These were similar to modern day rockets and now the festival hosts a variety of modern rockets. The sounds of the Ryusei rockets exploding into the air is followed by the spectator's cheers and clapping as they feel the full impact of the launches. Various booths also line the streets which emphasizes the festive mood.