Video introduction of "Aomori Nebuta Festival" in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture

This is a video titled "AOMORI NEBUTA MATSURI - IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI - Festival (Nebuta Matsuri / Aomori)"（AOMORI NEBUTA MATSURI - IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI - 祭 （ねぶた祭り／青森）） released by ANA Global Channel.

The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is one of Japan's largest summer festivals, held every August in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, and is one of the "three major festivals in Tohoku" and "three major Nebuta festivals.

The Aomori Nebuta Festival attracts both Japanese and foreign tourists, with the number of visitors reaching more than 2 million every year.

The video features interviews with the craftsmen who make the giant lanterns that are the highlight of the festival, as well as with the haneto, the dancers of the festival, and shows the excitement of the Nebuta Festival.

When is the Aomori Nebuta Festival 2024? What is the schedule?

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is held every year from August 2 to 7, regardless of the day of the week.

Aomori Nebuta Festival 2024
Dates: August 2 (Fri.) - 7 (Wed.), 2024 *August 1 is the eve of the festival.

August 1, 18:00 - 21:00, eve of the festival
August 2, 18:45- Children's Nebuta and Large Nebuta Operation
August 4-6, 18:45 - Large Nebuta float operation
August 7, 13:00- Large Nebuta operation
　　　19:15- Aomori Fireworks Display and Nebuta Sea Operation

Each nebuta will be judged, and the winning entries will be announced on August 6.

What is the design and size of the "Nebuta" of the Aomori Nebuta Festival?

The best part of the Aomori Nebuta Festival is the parade of giant lanterns (Nebuta) through the streets.

The size of the Nebuta is limited to 9 meters wide, 5 meters high, and 7 meters deep, including the cart. They can weigh as much as 4 tons.

Nebuta are made by craftsmen called "nebuta-shi," and there are many groups in Japan that produce them.

Basically, a nebuta has a base made of square timbers and wire, to which light bulbs and fluorescent lights are attached, and then the paper is pasted and colored.

Many of the designs are based on Japanese mythology, and a different design is created each year.
【Video】0:34〜 Interview with Nebuta master and Nebuta production site

What is Haneto of Aomori Nebuta Festival? Rules and how to participate

Photo：Nebuta, Aomori, Japan

At the Aomori Nebuta Festival, the call of "rassera" can be heard along with the sound of drums. The call is made by the dancers, called haneto.

The lively call of "rassera" can be heard everywhere in the video. It is said that the word "yipparasse" was originally "give a lot (of alcohol and candles)," which became "yipparasse," and "rasserah" remained.

To participate in Haneto, there is no need to pre-register or register on the day of the event, and all you have to do is to wear Haneto costumes and go to the Haneto meeting place. However, since it is not possible to join the event in the middle of the day, please be careful not to be late for the meeting time. Please check the official website for detailed rules, such as the prohibition of going backwards and bringing whistles.

Haneto costumes are commercially available for about 1,000 yen, and there are rental stores in the vicinity that will also dress you in a Haneto costume.

In the video, he talks passionately about haneto, saying, "It doesn't matter if you are good or bad at it, just get as emotional as you want and just get excited.
【Video】 6:48 - Interview with Haneto Master

Why not participate in the Aomori Nebuta Festival as a haneto and not just watch?

What is the history, origin and origin of the Aomori Nebuta Festival?

Source :YouTube screenshot

The origin of the Aomori Nebuta Festival is not known for certain, but it is believed to be a combination of the Tanabata Festival introduced from China in the Nara period (710-794) and the customs of Tsugaru, Aomori Prefecture. With the spread of paper, bamboo, and candles, it is believed that the Nebuta became what it is today.

The Tanabata Festival is an event in which people place their own impurities in lanterns on the night of Tanabata and float them into the river or the sea.
On the last night of the current Aomori Nebuta Festival, the lanterns are carried out to the sea. This custom is derived from the custom of floating lanterns down rivers and into the sea.

The word "Nebuta Matsuri" comes from the event "Nemuri Nagashi," and the word "Nebuta" is derived from "Nemuri," which means "sleep" in Japanese.
【Video】9:35 - Nebuta Festival Nighttime Operation and Fireworks Display

Aomori Nebuta Festival Summary

Source :YouTube screenshot

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is registered as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan and is a traditional event that Japanese people should protect.
The Nebuta House Wa Rasse in Aomori City is a sightseeing facility where visitors can learn about the history of the Nebuta Festival. The Nebuta Museum and Nebuta Hall exhibit Nebuta parts and other items, so if you visit Aomori outside of the festival period, why not pay a visit?

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of the largest summer festivals in Japan. Feel the summer of Aomori with your own five senses.

【Official Website】Aomori Nebuta Festival Official Website
https://www.nebuta.jp/

【Trip Advisor】Aomori Nebuta Festival
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298241-d8820146-Reviews-Aomori_Nebuta_Festival-Aomori_Aomori_Prefecture_Tohoku.html