A brightly colored Nebuta glowing vividly on the night of August 2 in Aomori City. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai)
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The Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of the major highlights of the summer season in northeastern Japan. It kicked off on the evening of August 2 in Aomori City, with brightly colored warrior floats making their way through the city center. The festival will continue until August 7.
These nebuta floats are crafted from washi paper and wire. The largest can reach about five meters tall and weigh around four tons, including their carts. The 2025 festival is the first time in two years that all of the large floats have returned.
Joining the Celebration
At 7 PM on August 2, a signal cannon marked the start of the parade, and the floats began moving one by one. To the rhythm of taiko drums and cheerful flutes, dancers known as haneto shouted "Rassera, rassera" as they jumped and twirled through the streets.
An office worker visiting from Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture said with a smile, "I was blown away by the energy and excitement of the nebuta. Next year, I'd love to join as a haneto."
Anyone can take part as a haneto by buying or renting a costume.
On the final day, August 7, four large floats, including prize-winning ones, will be paraded on the water at Aomori Port. The Nebuta Festival will come to a close alongside the Aomori Fireworks Festival taking place that evening.
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Author: Masahiro Sakai, The Sankei Shimbun
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