"Toro" means mantis and there literally is a figure of a mantis on the float's roof, and its humorous movements are really loved by children.
The float is based on a Chinese proverb, "Hatchets of a mantis", meaning a weak man standing up against a powerful enemy. The origin of the proverb is derived from an ancient Chinese tycoon who praised the courage of a mantis trying to fight against him. Due to the financial status of its hosting town, the float had ceased participating in the procession at the beginning of Meiji Era, and its decorative apron was sold. Fortunately, the float with the mantis figure on it had been preserved, and it rejoined the procession in 1979 after an absence of 100 years.
By T.S. on 5th Jul., 2008
The float is based on a Chinese proverb, "Hatchets of a mantis", meaning a weak man standing up against a powerful enemy. The origin of the proverb is derived from an ancient Chinese tycoon who praised the courage of a mantis trying to fight against him. Due to the financial status of its hosting town, the float had ceased participating in the procession at the beginning of Meiji Era, and its decorative apron was sold. Fortunately, the float with the mantis figure on it had been preserved, and it rejoined the procession in 1979 after an absence of 100 years.
By T.S. on 5th Jul., 2008
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