It could be any weekend in September or October, in any town across Japan. Excitement hitches onto every breeze as teams face off against each other, brightly colored headbands proclaiming allegiance.
It is the penultimate event. Three members serve as base support, while a fourth member balances precariously on their backs or shoulders, wearing hats: These are the "mounted knights."
One knight stands out, usually by the special band or hat he wears. He is the token bearer, and opposing teams target him especially. The last token bearer standing marks the winner.