NoshiroYakutanabata
能代役七夕
"The valuable opportunity for personal interaction with local people through the festival."
-Yoshino Fujimoto
Embedded Files
Historical Background
Historical Background
There are several theories about the festival's origins, including one that dates it back over a thousand years to when Sakanoue no Tamuramaro floated lanterns down the Yoneshiro River (a river flows into the Sea of Japan at Noshiro city, Akita) to intimidate the Emishi (people living around Tohoku region who did not submit to the emperial court) during battle, and another that it began as a ritual to ward off disease and pray for a bountiful autumn harvest by burning and floating lanterns down the river.
At first, it was called "Nebunagashi," which originated from the children chanting "Nefu nefu nagare" at night on July 6th around 1690. However, these days it has started to be called "Yakutanabata," which probably originated from the fact that all participants have specific roles and a hierarchical relationship is observed.
Since the Edo period, five townpeople organizations, namely O-machi, Kan-machi, Ara-machi, Seisuke-machi, and Yanagi-machi-gumi, have alternately served as representatives every year, each contributing significantly to the festival's support.
Furthermore, around 1830, lanterns measuring approximately 9 to 16 meters in height and 5.4 meters in width were crafted. While current restrictions due to traffic lights and power lines necessitate smaller lanterns, this traditional festival continues to be passed down as an intangible cultural property of Akita prefecture.
Features
Features
Noshiro Yakutanabata is held over two days every year on August 6th and 7th.
On day 1, this festival starts at noon. In each district, large lanterns are paraded by local residents, led by children's dengaku lanterns, guided by flutes and taiko(drums). Around 3:30 pm, lanterns from all neighborhoods gather at Noshiro station, and then festival music resounds. Subsequently, all districts jointly# parade through the city with huge lanterns twice more. When returning to Noshiro Station again, the closing ceremony is held, marking the end of the first day.
On day 2, the festival starts around 1:30 pm. Only the parts of the lanterns, Shachihoko, a mythical tiger-headed carp, are placed on the festival floats. As on the first day, each neighborhood begins by parading its lanterns through the streets, led by children carrying dengaku lanterns and playing flutes and taiko, with local adults pulling the lanterns. Around 5 pm, once all the Shachihoko lanterns have gathered, locals proceed together toward the Yoneshiro River. Upon arrival at the Yoneshiro River, cranes lower the Shachihoko lanterns onto the water. When the lanterns are ignited, festival music resonates. Also, locals wave their paper lanterns up and down to see them off. Afterward, they return to Noshiro Station with the festival floats. Around 8:40 pm, the closing ceremony takes place, marking the end of the two-day festival.
Direct voice from a participant
Direct voice from a participant
"Each year, different neighborhoods and districts take turns creating Shachihoko, a mythical tiger-headed carp, and parading the huge lanterns with Shachihoko. When my own district was assigned that year, I would go with my father to help with the creation. I've also participated in the festival itself. It's one of the events in Noshiro that I genuinely look forward to every year. However, recently, due to a shortage of participants and the aging of those knowledgeable about the festival, including the construction of the giant lanterns, the number of neighborhoods that no longer participate or jointly with other districts has been increasing year by year. Beyond the loss of tradition and charm, I feel a sense of crisis that we are also losing the valuable opportunity for personal interaction with local people through the festival. "
-Yoshino Fujimoto
To know more!
To know more!
A video capturing the entire Yakutanabata festival from the opening prayers to the closing ceremony [Japanese only]
Story about the five townpeople organizations' support that made this event possible during the COVID-19 pandemic [Japanese only]
The performance for Yakutanabata at Kaneyu (a registered tangible cultural property) in Noshiro [Japanese only]
A video about the place called Noshiro Nebunagashi-kan where the exhibition of Yakutanabata is held [Japanese only]
How to Get There
How to Get There
Noshiro Yakutanabata is held at the same time of year.
■ Date: August 6th to 7th
■ Place: Noshiro city streets & the vicinity of the Yoneshiro river mouth
■ Access: From Noshiro Station, take a Noshiro-Futatsui Line or Hachiryu Line bus (approximately 4 to 7 minutes). Get off at Noshiro Bus Terminal. Walk for 8 minutes.
■ Latest Information: Click here
Noshiro Nebunagashi Center
Noshiro Nebunagashi Center
Even if you miss the festival, you'll still be able to experience the Yakutanabata in Noshiro at the Nebunagashi center.
You can see lanterns and kites related to the Noshiro Yakutanabata at the exhibition.
■ Fees: Free
■ Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (From Tuesday to Sunday)
■ Address: 1-6 Omoriyama, Noshiro, Akita 〒016-0807
■ Contact: 0185-52-2955
References
References
Akita Forest Development Support Center & Akita Prefecture Forest Learning and Exchange Center, Plaza Crypton. (n.d.). Tamuramaro densetsu to Emishi fukken. [Legend of Tamuramaro and restoration of Emishi]. https://www.forest-akita.jp/data/kiso-bunka/kisobunka03/kiso-03.html
Noshiro City Official Website. (n.d.). Noshiro Nebunagashi. https://www.city.noshiro.lg.jp/res/kanko/theme/1188
Noshiro Traditional Culture Revitalization Executive Committee. (n.d.). Noshiro Yakutanabata. https://bunka.welcomenoshiro.com/culture/noshiroyakutanabata/
NPO Noshiro City Tourism Association (n.d.). Noshiro enajiamu paku, Nebunagashi-kan. [Noshiro energium park, Nebunagashi center]. https://welcomenoshiro.com/spot/%E8%83%BD%E4%BB%A3%E3%82%A8%E3%83%8A%E3%82%B8%E3%82%A2%E3%83%A0%E3%83%91%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AF%E3%83%BB%E3%81%AD%E3%81%B6%E3%81%AA%E3%81%8C%E3%81%97%E9%A4%A8/
Wikipedia. (July 20). Yoneshiro River. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoneshiro_River
Page updated
Report abuse