Sept. 25 - The Nebuta Matsuri without a doubt was one of Japan's most exciting events this summer. Aomori Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Mitsuyo Hayashi hosted Ann, Sapporo Consul General Donna Welton and me, providing a wonderful viewing spot on the sidewalk just in front of the Aomori Hotel. Ann and I agreed that seeing this festival in person was well worth the trip to Aomori City.

Here we could watch the parade of Nebuta floats - large lanterns constructed on wooden bases, and made of wire and beautifully colored Japanese paper illuminated by 600 to 800 light bulbs from within. These floats, which can be as large as 50 feet wide and 26 feet high, require up to 25 persons to pull and steer through Aomori's narrow streets. The Nebuta floats show mythical figures - warriors, devils, dragons, and stallions. These brightly lit three-dimensional figures depict tremendous action and energy. My favorite showed a warrior brandishing his sword in battle with a menacing dragon that was waving its tail and unclenching its claws.

Ann and I were delighted to see such wide participation of Aomori City residents in this festival. I am sure that the musicians and dancers must have been practicing for weeks. They maintained a lively pace accompanied by Japanese taiko drums, flutes, and cymbals. The taiko drummers were so loud that I could feel vibrations as my body was hit with waves of sound. Behind every group of dancers came a cart dispensing ladles of water - a welcome relief from the summer heat. (Judging from the excitement and energy of the participants, they may have been drinking liquids other than water, too!)

Many participants dressed up in elaborate costumes. Ann particularly enjoyed the JR East employees who dressed up like rail cars. When they formed a dancing line, they made a bullet train. We also appreciated that women and children as well as men joined in the festivities so enthusiastically. Many of them were distributing good luck bells. Ann and I received a good many such bells from welcoming strangers, so we are certain to enjoy good luck this year.

Until next time,

Jim