With the exception of a few paid firemen in larger towns, the Japanese firefighting program consists mostly of volunteers.  The oldest son of each family is expected to join the program and commit to meeting regularly for training so that they can get the job done in case of a fire.  Remuneration is minimal and time commitments can be great.  But if you are the oldest son and you choose not to join, you can pretty much count on being ostracized from your community. 

In case any of you are wondering, I asked around and women joining is basically unheard of.

This is a picture of a firefighter practice in Yachiyo.