Kibasen (lit. "Cavalry Battle") is a type of piggyback riding game played by school children in Japan. The sport is commonly played during annual school sports festivals.
The game consists of teams of four players, with one player from each team riding on top of the other three players. Teams are often divided into opposing red and white factions. The goal is to knock the opposing team's rider down, or more commonly, remove their bandana.
A two person variation, commonly called a chicken fight, involves someone riding piggyback atop another's shoulders.
Cavalry battles and chicken fights may be played on the ground or in a pool. Although chicken fights are seen as dangerous, cavalry battles are a common staple of Japanese school sports festivals.
