IS JAPAN COOL? DISCOVER
1. A wheeled vehicle that carries one or two persons, pulled by a human being.
2. The job of pulling a jinrikisha is called shafu. In the early Meiji era (1868-1912) when the jinrikisha was introduced, many bearers of kago (traditional wheelless litter carried by two persons) and ex-samurai changed jobs and became shafu. Now, young college students work part-time as shafu.
3. Service is provided for a preset period of time, usually around sightseeing spots. While pulling the vehicle, the shafu also serves as a town guide.
4. Such vehicles are found in traditional tourist areas, such as Asakusa, Kyoto, and Kamakura. jinrikisha are also used in events like o-neri, a ceremonial procession of kabuki actors.
