Hakata Gion Yamakasa summer festival reaches climax

The historic Hakata Gion Yamakasa summer festival, held annually in Fukuoka, Japan, culminates high-stakes sprint known as the "Oiyama" race. Teams from seven local districts race through the city while carrying heavy, 1-ton massive two types of floats on their shoulders.

Kazariyama are massive, highly ornate decorative floats placed on static display around Fukuoka city, while Kakiyama are stripped-down, racing floats that men physically carry through the streets. Listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival has a history spanning over 780 years.