A short clip of Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan's yatai float in UC Davis's Picnic Day Parade as it passes the main stage. The piece being played is a rendition of "Matsuri." The team also played an arrangement of "Yatai Bayashi," originally from the Chichibu Yomatsuri, as well as original team repertoire.
This float was made in 2017 and received the Marshall's Choice Award in 2017 and 2019. The lettering on the sides of the float describes the various performances and events it has participated in, which include the Davis Cherry Blossom Festivals and Bakuhatsu showcases.
I made this float with my friend and co-designer Issa Takada, along with other Bakuhatsu friends, during a spring break in the gravel lot of Sudwerk Brewery. At our Cherry Blossom Festival, guests painted lanterns to decorate the float, which is the origin of the lantern painting, which still continues at the festival. The idea is that we would carry the goodwill and energy of the community with us in the parade. That first year, the float had homemade wooden wheels.
Having graduated, this was my first year watching and not pushing the float, and it was nice to see the energy of the new members. They have a lot of spirit!