It is said that the Aomori Nebuta Festival is a variant of the Tanabata Festival's lantern floating ceremony, but its origin is not certain. It is thought that the Tanabata Festival, which came from China during the Nara period (710-794), and customs that have existed in Tsugaru since ancient times, such as spirit sending, dolls, and insect sending, were combined and became lanterns when paper, bamboo, and candles became popular, which in turn changed to dolls and fan Nebuta. The early form of Nebuta was the Tanabata Festival, and the center of the parade that appeared there was the “lantern” called “Nebuta.” The Tanabata Festival was a purification event to wash away impurities into the river or sea on the night of July 7, and lanterns were floated to pray for good health and safety. This event, called “Nebuta Nagashi,” is reflected in the current Aomori Nebuta maritime operation. The Aomori Nebuta Festival developed into one of the largest festivals in Japan between 1716 and 1736, when people danced with lanterns in the vicinity of Aburakawa Town, imitating the Hirosaki Neputa Festival. At that time, the Nebuta was probably similar to those of the Gion Festival in Kyoto, but it is thought that the lanterns (Nebuta) based on Kabuki and other themes, as we see today, appeared around 1804-1818, when the commoners' art had reached its full maturity. 

One of the unique features of the Aomori Nebuta Festival is the dance of the Haneto. In the past, it was called Odoriko. It is not known when the term “haneto” was first used. However, records from 1772 to 1781 show that Aomori Nebuta had a dance performance. At that time, some Nebuta were pulled by cars, but most were carried on the ground. One person holds the Nebuta and others support it from all sides. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), Aomori Nebuta became even larger. The Nebuta of Hama Town in 1801 was 20 meters high and carried by 100 people, and it is recorded that it could be seen from 4 km away. 

However, Shigeki Hishida, an Aomori prefectural governor appointed by the new Meiji government, declared the old local customs evil and banned Nebuta and other local Bon dances in 1873, saying that they should not be allowed. The ban was lifted in 1882, but the Nebuta Festival disappeared for nine years. The festival was stopped in 1945 when Aomori City was hit by the war but was put out the following year in Aburakawa and Asahi Town. It is said that the Aomori Nebuta Festival was held while keeping an eye out for the Occupation Forces. Not until after the war did Aomori Nebuta become as large as it is today. The Nebuta has been growing in size and size as a result of tourism. 

Group Division

Overall Award

• Nebuta Grand Prize

This award is given to the group with the best overall performance, mainly in the production of the Nebuta, but also in the operation, jumpers, musical accompaniment, etc.

• Governor's Award

The second prize after the Nebuta Grand Prize.

• Mayor's Award

Second to the Governor's Award.

• Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Award

Second to the Mayor's Award.

• Tourism Convention Association President Award

Second prize to the President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Award.

Category Awards

• Nebuta Operator and Jumpers Award

Awarded to the group with the best Nebuta operation and jumpers.

• Musical Performance Award

Awarded to the group with the best Nebuta musical accompaniment.

Creators Division

• Best Producer Award

Awarded to the creator of the most outstanding Nebuta production.

• The Best Producer Award

The second prize after the Best Producer Award.