Licensing

The band preparing to begin the closing ceremonies parade

When all the different bands line up, each band displaying its own unique tartan/uniform, having its own unique name, and all under the command of one individual, it reminds me of the clan system that ruled Scotland before British rule. Each kinship, family, or group of individuals who identified with one another formed a clan and supported one another under the rule of a chief, or military leader. They used different colored tartans and different symbols and crests to enforce their kinship and often went to battle with conflicting clans. This strikes a chord with the martial law-based clan system that also ruled Japan. Chiefs acted as military leaders and the Japanese clans differentiated themselves by displaying unique clan crests and colors.