The origins of Hachioji’s hayashi (festival music) can be traced back to the summer festivals of the “Upper Festival” at Taga Shrine and the “Lower Festival” at Hachiman Yakumo Shrine, held between the late Edo and early Meiji periods.During these festivals, matsuri-bayashi music accompanied festival floats as they paraded through the streets. Strongly influenced by Edo’s vibrant festival culture, this gave rise to a unique festival tradition in Hachioji.In 1994, the Hachioji Festival Music Federation was established, and today it includes more than 20 matsuri-bayashigroups from Hachioji City and the surrounding areas.The federation promotes interaction between groups and the preservation of performance techniques, while also aiming to foster a sense of community and healthy development in children through participation in festival music.Today, hayashi plays an essential role in festivals across the city, including the Hachioji Festival, and is passed down as a vital part of local cultural heritage, connecting the community with future generations.