After all the hard work of exams, it's time to relax and enjoy the holiday season. The summer festival is here just in time for you to unwind and have some fun!

In early August, Morioka City comes alive with the Sansa Odori Festival, which runs from August 1st to 4th. This event features lively Japanese drumming and graceful dancing in celebration of Iwate Prefecture. Originally held to honor deities who defeated demons, the festival now pays tribute to Mitsuishi Shrine. The highlight is the Sansa Parade, where over 30,000 dancers and taiko drummers fill the streets.

Besides the Sansa Festival, each province in Japan has its own unique festivals. Today, let's explore some of the exciting festivals in the Tohoku region. The Tohoku Summer Festival, or the summer festivals of the Tohoku region, is a lively celebration in Japan's northeastern area. Running from late July to August, it features a variety of traditional events, performances, and activities that highlight the region's unique culture and local traditions. Dive into the vibrant culture of Tohoku and experience its rich heritage through these festivals. Some of the highlights include:

Aomori Nebuta Matsuri:

The Aomori Nebuta Festival, held in Aomori City, is renowned for its stunning illuminated floats called nebuta. These floats are beautifully decorated with colorful designs of historical and mythical figures. The festival features lively music and energetic parades.

At the festival, you'll see impressive Nebuta floats--large warrior figures inspired by Japanese mythology. It combines elements of the Chinese Tanabata Festival with local traditions. The festival also includes the Nebuta Nagashi ritual, where lanterns float on rivers and the Nebuta floats are released into the sea. The main event is a parade down Aomori City's main street, showcasing around 20 amazing nebuta floats. The highlight also includes the lively 'Haneto' dance. At the event, you can even rent costumes to join in the fun.

Sendai Tanabata Matsuri:

Held in Sendai, the Tanabata Matsuri is known for its stunning paper decorations that fill the streets. Celebrated from August 6th to 8th each year, this festival honors Tanabata (the Star Festival), based on a Chinese legend about two star-crossed lovers.

During the Sendai Tanabata Festival, the area around Sendai Station is adorned with around 3,000 elaborate decorations. You can enjoy the festival by admiring the colorful displays, watching live performances, and sampling delicious local food from stalls.

The Tanabata decorations at this festival are especially elaborate. Months of preparation go into creating these decorations, which include large wind socks made from Chiyogami paper and bamboo poles, along with seven types of smaller, beautiful ornaments known as the "Seven Decorations" (Nanatsu-Kazari).

Akita Kanto Matsuri:

In Akita, the Kanto Matsuri is famous for its giant bamboo poles covered with lanterns, which participants balance on their shoulders, foreheads, and palms. This festival, celebrating strength and skill, lights up the night sky to ward off evil spirits.

At the Kanto-odori, a 15-minute walk from Akita Station, you'll see around 280 lanterns in 70 groups. Some of these lanterns are 12 meters long, weigh up to 50 kg, and feature 46 smaller lanterns. Skilled performers, known as "Sashite," balance these lanterns on various parts of their bodies.

Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri:

In Yamagata City, the festival features vibrant dance parades with people wearing traditional Hanagasa (flower hats), which are straw hats decorated with Yamagata's safflower. They dance to lively folk music, making the entire event full of energy and fun.

Each festival in the Tohoku Summer Festival series is unique, but they all celebrate local culture, bring people together, and offer great experiences for both locals and visitors. It's a fantastic opportunity for us, while studying at Iwate University, to dive into and enjoy Japanese culture even more.

Pictures Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/

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Written by: Ritt J. Jirasukprasert

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