The Nebuta Festival is one of the Tohoku region’s representative summer festivals, and is held in Aomori prefecture. Between the 2nd and 7th of August, over 3 million people gather in Aomori to be a part of the Nebuta Festival. During the festival, huge floats called “nebuta” are carried throughout the city, while “haneto”, or dancers, dance around it. Anyone visiting the festival can be a “haneto” and join in on the fun!
Nebuta Festival’s History
The roots of the festival remain unclear, but there are some theories. The most prominent one is that the Nebuta Festival is a mixture of the traditional Chinese “tanabata” festival and the Tsugaru (now Aomori) region’s customs.
“Nebuta” points to the large lanterns made of wood, wire and paper. In some regions of Aomori, it is called “Neputa” or “Nefuta”.
The nebuta is released into the ocean on the final day of the festival. It is released to pray for good health.
How the “nebuta” is made
One nebuta float (Credit: Aomori Aptinet)
The nebuta lantern floats are made in 10 steps, and takes approximately 3 months to complete. The cost to create one nebuta is around ¥2,000,000. They are made carefully by nebuta craftsmen.
1. Sketch/outline
First, the blueprint of the nebuta is made. The designs of the nebuta are usually based on historical figures or legends.
2. Cottage-making
Before getting into nebuta-building, a cottage for the nebuta is created. The cottage is used as a place to create and store the nebuta. Usually, the cottages are about 6 meters high and 12 meters long.
3. Smaller Parts
The smaller parts of the nebuta, such as the face and limbs, are created. The sizes of the parts are carefully calculated before creation.
4. Structure
The structural parts of the nebuta are created. With wires and strings, the framework of the nebuta is created.
5. Electricity and lights
Lights and electric wires are attached on the framework to illuminate the nebuta. In earlier days, candles were used instead of lights.
6. Attaching the Paper
The paper used for the nebuta’s exterior is a kind of washi, or Japanese paper. The paper is carefully glued onto the framework. This is said to be one of the most difficult steps.
7. Adding Colors with Ink
With black ink, the intricate designs are carefully drawn on.
8. Paraffin Wax
Paraffin Wax is melted and dripped onto the paper to create designs. This also keeps the colors on the paper from bleeding.
9. Coloring
With water-based paints, the paper is colored. The nebuta is now complete.
10. Lifting the Nebuta
The nebuta is then finally lifted onto a rack. Around 40 to 50 people gather to carry the nebuta onto a 2-meter high rack, and then stored into its cottage. The nebuta is now ready for the Nebuta Festival.
Enjoy the Nebuta Festival to the fullest!
Of course, you can just watch the nebuta get carried throughout the city and call it a day. Or, you can join the “haneto” dancers and have some extra fun!
Haneto Dancers (Credit: Aomori Aptinet)
Haneto are the dancers hopping around the nebuta floats. They scream “rassera, rassera!” as they dance around the floats, and are a festival tradition.
Anyone is free to be a haneto! Just rent out the haneto outfit and you are eligible to prance around the nebuta.
How to be a haneto
Haneto dancers surrounding the nebuta (Credit: Aomori Aptinet)
Although there are no special reservations or pre-registrations to be a haneto, there are some rules for participation. The most important is that you have to be in proper haneto attire.
You can purchase the haneto outfits at department stores, or you can rent one out.
Here are some other basic rules for participating as a haneto:
⑴Contribute in making the Nebuta Festival a fun event for everybody!
⑵Gather at the designated area at least 10 minutes before the designated time
⑶Follow the committee members’ instructions
⑷Do not bring in extraneous objects and accessories such as whistles
⑸No fireworks or explosives
⑹No marching the other way
⑺Make way for fire trucks and ambulances if they need to pass
Get your haneto outfit, follow these simple rules and you’re all set to have a great time!
Fireworks, Nebuta and the Sea
Nebuta float on the sea (Credit: Aomori Aptinet)
On the final day of the Nebuta Festival, a fireworks event and the nebuta ocean release is held.
During the Nebuta Festival, the nebuta floats are examined by the executive committee, and six are chosen to float on the sea on the final night.
The chosen nebuta floats illuminate the dark waters, while fireworks glitter in the night sky. This magical scene can only be seen on the last day of the festival, so be sure to stay until then! Make sure to reserve your seats in advance for this view.
Access
Nearest station: Aomori Station
From Hachinohe Station 八戸駅
【Hachinohe Sta.】Aoimori Railway / for Aomori
→【Aomori Sta.】about a 10-minute walk
From Aomori Airport 青森空港
【Aomori Airport】JR Bus / for Aomori
→【Aomori Sta.】about a 10-minute walk
Plan in advance!
The Nebuta Festival is always held from August 2nd to the 7th, regardless of the day of the week. Be sure to reserve hotels and seats (for the final night) in advance, since they can fill up quickly.
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