Sensumochi conductor
The sensumochi (float conductor, literally “fan-holder”) is positioned at the front of a Nebuta float. The conductor uses different whistle tones and fan motions to tell the hikite (float-pulling team) what to do. The team may be instructed to move forward or stop, to dip the float or to twirl it. The whistle is important because half of the hikite are behind the float and cannot see the fan. Only one sensumochi leads a Nebuta float at any time, but conductors may take turns.