Map of the Tohoku region On March 11, 2011, the "Great East Japan Earthquake" struck the Tohoku region in Japan and brought about additional disasters including tsunamis and a nuclear power plant accident, causing severe damage centered in the Tohoku districts. However, thanks to the warm support and words of encouragement from countries all around the world, the Tohoku region is taking steps forward in its journey toward recovery. Undaunted by the disaster and damage, a variety of traditional festivals (matsuri) will be held in Tohoku as usual this summer. Please go to Tohoku to see and feel the energy and spirit of the region and people!

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Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (Nebuta Festival) - Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture - To Be Determined, 2013 Aomori Nebuta Festival is said to have originated from Toro Nagashi (an event in which paper lanterns are floated down a river) of the Tanabata Festival (Japanese star festival). With haneto (dancers) dancing to a jaunty and rhythmic ohayashi tune of music along with 22 floats being carried around, Nebuta excitement lifts people's spirits to fully appreciate the short summer of Aomori. More than 3 million tourists come to see this festival every year. The festival has been designated a Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan. http://www.atca.info/nebuta_en/

Akita Kanto Matsuri (Kanto Festival) - Akita City, Akita Prefecture - To Be Determined, 2013 The Kanto Festival has a long history as Neburi Nagashi (an event to sweep drowsiness away) to repel summer illnesses and evil spirits. You will be quite overwhelmed to see stalwart men skillfully manipulating and balancing huge kanto, long bamboo poles decorated with many paper lanterns, with a weight of 50 kilograms and a height of 12 meters. This festival has been designated a Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan. http://www.kantou.gr.jp/english/index.htm

Morioka Sansa Odori (Sansa Dance) - Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture - To Be Determined, 2013 This festival derives from a local folk tale that tells how people danced with joy, singing "sansa sansa" after a devil which had been troubling them for a long time went away. Enjoy the huge taiko (Japanese drum) parade, which is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's biggest taiko parade, and join dancing in a circle. A large number of people powerfully and dynamically dance, filling up the entire venue. http://www.sansaodori.jp/

Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri (Hanagasa Festival) - Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture - To Be Determined, 2013 Accompanied by strong voices shouting "yassho makasho!" and the dynamic sounds of hanagasa taiko drums, dancers in colorful costumes dance in a dynamic manner. Hanagasa, or straw hats decorated with safflowers which the dancers wear, move like a wave and fascinate viewers in the evening of midsummer. http://www.hanagasa.jp/en/

Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival) - Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture - To Be Determined, 2013 This is one of the major star festivals in Japan and has a long history dating back to the 16th century. Many colorful decorations adorn the town, and a parade and music events are also held. http://www.sendaitanabata.com/en/index.html

Fukushima Waraji Matsuri (Straw Sandal Festival) - Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture - To Be Determined, 2013 This festival is named after the huge waraji traditional straw sandals, which are dedicated to Ashio Shrine, to wish for physically strong legs. The waraji are the largest in Japan and a must-see! Dancing Soda Night, a parade in the evening where hip-hop-style dancers dance to reggae dance songs, is also enjoyable! http://www.fmcnet.co.jp/waraji/ (Japanese version only)

All information is subject to change without notice.

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