This article explores Aomori Prefecture's summer festival, Nebuta Festival. You will learn about its origins, evolution, and unique charms, as well as how you can make the most of this festival.
Discover the floats and dances of the Nebuta Festival in this article, and make the most of your visit!
What is Nebuta Festival?
An Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, the Nebuta Festival is a traditional Japanese festival held in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture.
The festival is famous for the large floats, called Nebuta, and the energetic dancers, called Haneto, who dance energetically around them while chanting.
In tradition dating back to the Heian period, this festival takes place annually between August 2nd - 7th for 6 days.
Origins and Development of the Nebuta Festival
This ritual is believed to have originated from the "Toro Nagashi" ritual performed to banish evil spirits.
This custom evolved over time, and in the Meiji era, it took the form of magnificent floats and lanterns seen today.
One theory suggests that in the Genroku era, merchants in Aomori modeled the floats after those of the Gion Festival in Kyoto.
*Toro Nagashi - During this ceremony, lanterns are lit and set afloat on rivers or the ocean to honor and console the souls of the deceased.
*The Genroku era - The period ruled by the fifth Tokugawa shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, spanning from 1680 to 1709.
The Modern Role and Significance of the Nebuta Festival
Today, the Nebuta Festival is an essential event for the development of local culture, strengthening community bonds.
According to a survey, in 2022 the festival attracted a cumulative 1.05 million visitors, making an immeasurable contribution to the local economy.
In recent years, many foreign tourists have also been visiting to experience this particular traditional festival.
Main Attractions of the Nebuta Festival
The festival draws significant attention from Japan and abroad every year.
Here are the reasons behind its popularity:
1. Gorgeous and Magnificent Floats and Lanterns
The colorful and large Nebuta floats, the symbol of the festival, captivate many spectators every year.
The floats are meticulously handcrafted with Japanese Washi paper and bamboo frames.
In the evening, they are illuminated by lanterns of various colors against the night sky, creating a special atmosphere.
The floats feature designs of historical or mythological figures, showcasing the pinnacle of technique and artistry.
They are made within the sizes of 9m wide, 7m depth, and 5m height, exuding an overwhelming presence.
2. Energetic Dances and Drum Performances
At the Nebuta Festival, live performances of drums, flutes, and bells provide energetic music that livens up the festival.
Participants become special dancers called "Haneto" and dance passionately to the chant "Rassera."
This traditional dance has specific steps, and the pre-festival practice sessions are also worth watching.
3. Unity Between Locals and Tourists
During the festival period, interacting with locals is part of the enjoyment.
You can participate in the festival by dancing together, experiencing the traditions firsthand.
For visitors from abroad interested in Japanese culture and traditions, it will be an unforgettable experience!
Exploring the Nebuta Festival
History of the Nebuta Festival
The Nebuta Festival, representing Aomori Prefecture event, has its origins dating back to the Nara period.
The early Nebuta started as a ritual to ward off evil spirits and also had aspects of an agricultural ceremony wishing for a good harvest.
During the Edo period, it received official support, and magnificent decorations like floats and lanterns were added.
In the Meiji era, the Nebuta Festival developed along with local industries, merging with local arts like Shamisen music, enriching its form to the present day.
In 1980, the Agency for Cultural Affairs recognized the festival's value as a traditional Japanese culture and designated it as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
This legally protected the traditional forms and expressions of the Nebuta Festival, and technical inheritance and education became more systematically supported.
The Nebuta Floats
The floats are lightweight despite their size due to their sturdy bamboo frames covered with washi paper or cloth. They have internal lighting and a structural framework. The manufacturing process of the floats follows these steps:
1. Pencil Sketch
Source: ねぶたができるまで | HITACHI
The theme and composition are carefully planned, and a pencil sketch is made as the design blueprint, taking ample time.
2. Framework
Source: ねぶたができるまで | HITACHI
At "Nebuta workshop," the framework is built using wooden beams as pillars, following the rough sketch.
Separately crafted details like faces and hands are also put together.
3. Soul Dedication Ritual
Source: ねぶたができるまで | HITACHI
Prayers are offered for safety during the festival period.
This ritual is performed in each local area.
4. Electrical Wiring
Source: ねぶたができるまで | HITACHI
There are a number of lighting fixtures inside the Nebuta.
Generators are used today, but candles were used in the past.
5. Paper Covering
Source: ねぶたができるまで | HITACHI
Using adhesive, paper is pasted onto the completed framework.
Despite the intricate shapes with protrusions, the paper must be applied without any overlaps, requiring patience.
6. Ink Drawings
Ink is used to draw faces and clothing on the plain white Nebuta.
A brush stroke determines the intensity of an expression, which is particularly important.
7. Wax Application
Source: ねぶたができるまで | HITACHI
A transparent coating called Paraffin wax is applied to create intricate patterns, adding brightness and preventing color bleeding.
8. Colouring
Source: ねぶたができるまで | HITACHI
The remaining white areas are coloured with brushes or sprays.
The body of Nebuta is now complete.
9. Platform Mounting
Source: ねぶたができるまで | HITACHI
The body is mounted onto a 2m-high platform by 40-50 people, giving it an overall height of around 5m and an impressive presence for the festival.
10. Decorations
Source: ねぶたができるまで | HITACHI
If sponsored, banners or lanterns are added as decorations. This final step completes the float, ready for its debut.
Characteristics of Nebuta Festival Costumes
The costumes worn at the Nebuta Festival consist mainly of headpieces, clothing, and accessories.
While each region has its own unique designs and decorations, here are some common features:
Headpieces:
Large headpieces featuring the Nebuta motif or decorations are a characteristic element.
The headpiece design varies depending on the float's shape and design.
Clothing:
Gorgeous and colorful clothing is used.
Typically, a type of traditional Japanese clothing called Hakama (pleated trousers) with decorative elements on the lower body is common.
Accessories:
The clothing and headpieces are adorned with vibrant decorations and patterns, using elements like gold leaf, embroidery, beads, and decorative tapes to create beautiful designs.
How to Enjoy the Nebuta Festival
If you're traveling all the way to Aomori, you'll want to make the most out of the experience!
Here, we introduce the highlights of the festival and ways to participate.
Let's prepare thoroughly to maximize your enjoyment of the Nebuta Festival!
What to Know in Advance
Access and Accommodation Information
The most common way to access Aomori City is by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Aomori Station.
There are many hotels around Aomori Station and near the Nebuta Festival venues, but they tend to be extremely crowded during the festival period, so early reservations are recommended.
Some hotels offer special plans for enjoying the Nebuta Festival, so it's advisable to actively research them.
Festival Schedule and Highlights
The Nebuta Festival is held annually from August 2nd to 7th for 6 days.
The main event is the nightly parade of massive Nebuta floats.
While the floats on display vary by day, the quality is consistent, so any day is enjoyable.
Fireworks are also displayed over the sea on the final day.
The grand prize-winning float is paraded through the venue while fireworks are launched overhead. It usually takes place between 7:15 PM and 9 PM, so those with available schedules should consider attending.
Experiences at the Nebuta Festival
Observe the Float Manufacturing Process
The float construction begins around May.
Some workshops allow tourists to observe the manufacturing process and learn about the traditional techniques of Nebuta-making.
Witnessing the skilled craftspeople at work up close is a truly valuable experience.
Participate in the Nebuta Dance
Special costumes are available for tourists to wear during the dance.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a lottery system, but since 2023, anyone can participate.
By wearing a decorated Yukata (casual Kimono), you can join in.
These can be purchased on the spot or rented in advance.
Why not experience this unique traditional dance for a deeper cultural immersion?
Discover Local Cuisine
You can also enjoy the unique food culture of Aomori at the Nebuta Festival. There are many local dishes that are loved by locals, including apple candy and grilled squid.
It is also a popular time to try Aomori's Sake and local craft beers as many local Sake breweries hold special Sake tasting events during the Nebuta Festival.
Summary
Through its magnificent floats, passionate dances, and deep connection to the local community, the Nebuta Festival is more than a local event.
If you have the opportunity to visit, immerse yourself in its rich history and warm local hospitality, and enjoy it to the fullest!
