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The paintings on the Aomori Nebuta Float have fascinated me for so many years. They are so fascinating to me. I’ve decided to visit and see them on site on August 1. It was my first visit to Aomori in my life. The Northeastern region, called “Michinoku”, is a distant place for me, with an image of a “snow country”. However, it took only three hours by bullet train.
The day before the festival, we visited the Nebuta Museum to learn more about Nebuta, including the masterpieces of Nebuta floats from the past, the process of creating them, and the traditional dances and Japanese drum performances.
The theme of the Nebuta is often chosen from historical stories, Japanese legends, or scenes from Kabuki. The Nebuta master considers the theme and concept and creates a draft.
A wooden frame is constructed, and wires are used to make the shape. Electricians wire up 1,000 fluorescent lamps and bulbs to the framework. Then, 2,500 sheets of Japanese washi paper are pasted on each section, using wood glue to create a white Nubuta body.
Then, the Nebuta master outlines the face, body, clothes, and other details in black ink. Melted paraffin is used to prevent color bleed. Then, they applied colors using dyes or watercolors with a brush and spray.
The Nebuta body is placed on a carriage that contains a generator. The body is carried by a large number of people and paraded through the streets. The float measures approximately five meters in height, nine meters in width, and seven meters in depth, weighing around five tons. It is a lot of work!
The Aomori Nebuta Festival was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 1980.
Haneto, meaning jumping people, are the festival’s dancers. Anyone can join the parade by wearing a Haneto costume. We learned the dance, and costumes are available for rental or purchase at shops. Why don’t you join as Haneto and enjoy the festival!
Nebuta music bands accompany the Nebuta, setting the rhythm and accentuating the music. I like the sounds of drums, flutes, and hand cymbals.
On the last day, the Nebuta floats will be placed on boats and ferried around Aomori Bay, accompanied by fireworks, marking the highlight. The floats will drive away evil spirits and bring good luck and health! It was a fantastic and memorable night in Aomori.
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