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Chindonya (Japanese:チンドン屋), in old times also called tozaiya (Japanese: 東西屋) or hiromeya (Japanese: 広目屋 or 披露目) are elaborately costumed Japanese street musicians that advertise for shops and other establishments. The performers in were used to advertise the opening of new stores and other venues, or to promote special events as for example sales. Nowadays only a few groups are left in Japan. In English they are also sometimes called Japanese marching band or sandwich man band, as one of the performers may be sandwiched between to portable bilboards. The word Chindon stands for the chin and don sound of the instruments.

'Chindonya girls' liven city streets

BY HIROKI ITO STAFF WRITER

2011/10/22

Members of We Love Chindon perform at the Lunar Park amusement park in Maebashi on Oct. 16. (Hiroki Ito)Members of We Love Chindon perform while riding on an attraction with children at the Lunar Park amusement park in Maebashi on Oct. 16. (Hiroki Ito)

TATEBAYASHI, Gunma Prefecture -- Although many girls her age have taken their guitars, drums and musical talent to the streets or near train stations in the hope of becoming rock stars, Ayumi Kawashima has taken up a more traditional form of street performance.