Edo Fires Part 4: Firefighters

The machibikeshi firefighters (also known as tobigashira) were the subject of many ukiyo-e prints remaining today. With their large back tattoos and demonstration of bravery (understand that they were climbing on top of wooden houses that could catch on fire at any time, or hacking buildings down), they truly were idolised by the population of Edo.  

Most of the machibikeshi would get tattoos at a young age to illustrate their determination to live their life in their vocation. They often were sons of carpenters who knew carpentry as well.  

Still to this day, a distinction is made between the machi-tobi (construction workers/carpenters) who are part of the local community and carry on the tradition of Edo machibikeshi, and the Nochôba-tobi who were busy preparing decorations and ceremonies, supervising coming-of-age ceremonies, marriage, funerals, seasonal events and festivals. Those were doing every single task that a local community could require, from cleaning the gutters to accompanying elderly people to public baths.

A few months ago, my friend Marc reached out to me and suggested he illustrates one of my articles. I absolutely love the result. If you want to see more of his work click here.