Akita Kanto Festival 2024 (Akita Kanto Matsuri)

Experience the excitement of the Akita Kanto Festival 2024, where traditional Japanese culture comes alive from August 3rd to August 6th.

Photo provided by: Akita City Kanto Festival Executive Committee.

Contents

Overview of Akita Kanto Festival
History and Significance of the Festival
Highlights of the Festival
How to Get There from Tokyo
Dates and Schedule for Kyoto Gion Festival 2024

Overview of Akita Kanto Festival

The Akita Kanto Festival takes place every year from August 3rd to August 6th, with many lanterns illuminating the summer night sky and Japanese drum and flute performances.

Participants in the Akita Kanto Festival carry a Kanto, a 5-12 meter long bamboo pole decorated with up to 46 lanterns using their palms, foreheads, shoulders, or waists.

It is also one of the three major festivals in Tohoku and is designated as a nationally important intangible folk cultural property. This summer festival offers an opportunity to experience Japanese tradition and culture.

The Tohoku Three Major Festivals are famous summer festivals take place in the Tohoku region. Akita Kanto Matsuri, Sendai Tanabata Matsuri, and Aomori Nebuta Matsuri

History and Significance of the Festival

The Akita Kanto Festival reportedly began during the Edo period (1600-1868) and originated from "the Neburi Nagashi" event held in Akita at that time to ward off evil spirits and summer illnesses.

The original Neburi Nagashi event involved people walking through the town with bamboo decorated with strips of paper containing wishes. At the event's conclusion, they floated the bamboo into the river. Over time, lanterns were incorporated into the festival, transforming it into an independent celebration.

Highlights of the Festival

The Akita Kanto Festival features both daytime and nighttime segments.

Kanto colouring the night (Nighttime)

Photo provided by: Akita City Kanto Festival Executive Committee.

During the nighttime segment, which is the main event of the festival, participants perform while carrying Kanto. Additionally, performances of Japanese drums and flutes, along with chants of "Dokkoisho, Dokkoisho," liven up the venue. Furthermore, the sight of participants simultaneously lifting their Kanto at the signal is very impressive.

A virtuoso competition (Daytime)

Photo provided by: Akita City Kanto Festival Executive Committee.

During the daytime segment, festival participants showcase their skills in supporting and carrying Kanto with various parts of their bodies. The longest Kanto is 12 meters long, weighs 50 kg, and has 46 lanterns attached. Don’t miss the intense competition to see how well participants can balance Kanto with their palms, foreheads, shoulders, and waists.