🎭 Tohoku Summer Flame: Nebuta Festival (Sleeping Demon Festival) (Aomori Prefecture, Aomori City) Full Introduction

Today, I'm taking you on a journey through one of Tohoku's most iconic and breathtaking summer festivals— the Nebuta Matsuri (often translated as "Sleeping Demon Festival" in Chinese) . Every early August, Aomori City comes alive with this vibrant festival. Giant, dazzling lanterns, the deafening sound of taiko drums and flutes, and the enthusiastic cries of "Laksela!" create an unforgettable summer night revelry.

📜 The origin and history of the festival

There are many different opinions about the origin of the Nebuta Festival, but the main ones are as follows:

• Farming blessing theory : In ancient times, people used lights to drive away evil spirits and pray for a good harvest.
• The traditional Chinese Valentine's Day says : It is connected with the Chinese Valentine's Day, and the use of water lanterns and firelight symbolizes the cleansing of bad luck.
• Legend of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro : Legend has it that during the Heian period, the military commander Sakanoue no Tamuramaro made a giant lantern to confuse his enemies and scare them away, which later evolved into a festival.

Regardless of its true origins, the Nebuta Matsuri has a centuries-old history and was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 1980. I believe it's more than just a celebration; it symbolizes the way Aomori people integrate history, culture, and everyday life.

⏰ Time and location

• Time : August 2nd to 7th every year
• Location : Main street in the center of Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture

The main event is the Lantern Parade from August 2nd to 6th, and the grand finale is the spectacular Sea Fireworks Display on August 7th.

🏮The charm of ねぶたlanterns

The soul of the Nebuta Festival is those huge three-dimensional lanterns "Nebuta" !

• The size is astonishing : about 9 meters wide, 5 meters high, 7 meters deep, and weighs more than 4 tons.
• The themes are diverse : drawn from historical stories, myths and legends, Kabuki characters, etc. from China and Japan, and the shapes are lifelike.
• Exquisite craftsmanship : the frame is built with wood, bamboo and steel wire, then pasted with Japanese paper and finally painted.
• Lights are lit : After the lights are lit at night, the entire lantern emits a strong glow, and the expressions of the characters are vivid and lifelike, with a magnificent atmosphere.

When I first saw the real thing, my jaw almost dropped. The feeling of "paper sculptures can be so three-dimensional and so full of tension" was completely beyond my imagination! ✨

🥁 Passionate parade and shouting

In addition to the lanterns, what is most exciting is the shouting and dancing of the participants.

• Hanetto : A person wearing white clothes, a bell around his waist, and a flowery hat, who dances and shouts "Rasela! Rasela!"
• Taiko and Flute : The sound of Taiko drums and flutes runs throughout the parade, creating a strong rhythm that makes people want to dance along.
• Public participation : Anyone can join the team and jump together as long as they wear the required "jumping costume".

I think this is awesome! Unlike many festivals where you can only watch, you can participate in the Nebuta Festival. You are not just a spectator, but a part of the whole carnival. 💃🔥

🎇 Fireworks at sea and the finale

• August 7 : The last day, the "Nebuta Sea Run" and the "Aomori Fireworks Festival" will be held.
• The giant lanterns are placed on boats and float in Aomori Bay.
• Thousands of fireworks were launched at the same time, and the water surface and the night sky intertwined into a super dreamy scene.

This is one of the most dreamy scenes in Aomori in the summer. I personally think it is even more stunning than a simple fireworks display, because with the blessing of the lanterns and the water, the whole scene is breathtakingly beautiful. 🌊🎆

🍢 Festival surrounding customs

During the Nebuta Matsuri, the entire city of Aomori transforms into a carnival venue.

• The streets and alleys are full of vendors: grilled squid, fried noodles, apple candy (Aomori is rich in apples), ice cream, etc. 🍎
• Various performances and activities: traditional dances, Taiko drum shows, and even local exhibitions.
• A large number of tourists: Tourists from all over Japan and overseas instantly made Aomori one of the most lively cities.

I highly recommend trying an Aomori apple popsicle while watching the lantern parade – it's refreshing and fitting! 🍏

🗺️ Transportation and sightseeing suggestions

• transportation :
  • Take the Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station, then transfer to JR to Aomori Station. You can walk to the festival venue.
  • Traffic control will be implemented during the festival, so it is recommended to use public transportation as much as possible.
• Tips for viewing :
  1. Book paid viewing seats in advance for a better view.
  2. If you want to participate in the "jumping", you can rent costumes locally.
  3. Summer nights in Aomori are still a bit chilly, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket.
  4. The crowds are huge, so remember to reserve a seat early.

💡 Editor's Note

For me, the Nebuta Matsuri is more than just a summertime melodrama of Tohoku; it's a carnival of total immersion. The feeling of "watching the lights, listening to the drums, and moving along" is truly exhilarating, making you lose track of time.

Its charm lies in the fusion of art and crafts during the day, the stunning lights at night, the enthusiasm of the crowds, and the dreamy ending of fireworks at sea. 💖

If you ask me, "What is the most important Japanese festival you must see once in your life?", the Nebuta Matsuri will definitely be on the list. 🔥