Kanto Festival is one of the biggest summer festivals celebrated in Tohoku region. The festival is held annually in the beginning of August three nights in a row. The festival dates back to Edo Period, originated from Neburi Nagashi, a summer celebration for ridding maliciousness and illness. People living in Akita celebrated this with long bamboo poles lined with dozens of lit paper lanterns. This instrument is called Kanto (竿燈). Besides to get rid of maliciousness, the locals celebrate it in hope of an abundant grain harvest.
Competition for the enthusiasts to show their skills in balancing the Kanto
Today, Kanto Festival has been developed into a competition for the enthusiasts who are willing to show their skills in balancing the Kanto, of which the weight can reach around 50 kg. During festival, the city main street turns into a sea of lit lanterns with thousands of people enjoying the performance. The Kanto players are trying to balance the bamboo poles on their heads, hips, shoulders, even on their heads along with the chants of traditional music.
People come from far areas only to see and enjoy the festival
Despite its unpopularity among foreigners, this festival is widely known in Japan. People come from far areas only to see and enjoy the festival. If you don’t live near Akita city and are planning to come watch the festival, don’t forget to book hotel from few weeks in advance, considering hotels are usually fully booked few days before the event.
Information
- Event’s name : Kanto festival
- Address : Akita City
- Phone: 018-888-5602
- Dates: Beginning of August, every year
- URL: http://www.kantou.gr.jp/index.htm
- Map
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