Chindon'ya

Chindon'ya (チンドン屋), also known as Japanese marching bands, and known historically as tōzai'ya (東西屋) or hiromeya (広目屋/披露目屋) are a type of elaborately costumed street musicians in Japan who advertise for shops and other establishments. Chindon'ya advertise the opening of new stores or other venues and promote special events such as price discounts. In modern-day Japan, chindon'ya are a rare sight, having been usurped by advertising in media such as magazines, television, and the Internet.