Aug. 24 - With shouts of "Dokkoisho, Dokkoisho" from the crowd, rhythmic beating of large "taiko" drums, and the staccato melody of bamboo flutes, participants in the Kanto festival raised over 280 "kanto" or large bamboo racks of paper lanterns that towered over us. Young men balanced skillfully the bamboo poles with these racks of 46 lanterns each that weighed over 50 kg and soared over 12 meters high.

Ann and I were delighted to accept the Akita Japan-America Society's invitation to observe this great festival. We could best feel the energy and power of the performers by seeing the festival in person, we agreed. We were simply amazed by the performers' ability to balance their top-heavy poles on outstretched palms, foreheads, shoulders, and even on waists. They kept their eyes skyward looking for the slightest move of the "gohei" or Shinto paper offering at the very top of the pole. This paper streamer provided clues as to the wind direction and the tiniest unbalance of the bamboo pole.

Our guide explained that this festival attracts over 1.3 million visitors each year - nearly four times the population of Akita City. Originating over 250 years ago, the Kanto festival evolved from festivals to pray for good health and an abundant harvest. Looking at the racks of swaying bamboo poles and their suspended lanterns, we could see the resemblance to top-heavy ripe ears of rice swaying in the breeze.

Just in front of us, a group of elementary school students were learning to balance a much smaller bamboo pole of 24 lanterns. Dressed in festival garb like their elders, they looked less self assured. Their lanterns also seemed a bit more battered from frequent encounters with the ground.

However, supportive fathers and elder brothers nearby shouted encouragement and occasionally rushed in to help right a falling pole. The skillful adult participants in the festival must have also mastered the challenging balancing technique in this manner. We were glad to witness the elder generation energetically passing on to the next the intangible cultural assets of Akita's wonderful mid-summer festival.

For those of you who have never been to the festival, here is a good short video clip that captures the excitement of this festival.

Until next time,

Jim