Hirosaki Neputa Festival
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What's this? Hirosaki Neputa Festival photos by Philbert Ono. Held during August 1-7 in Hirosaki, Aomori.

Held during Aug. 1-7, the Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri is without the rowdiness of the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri. Instead of the haneto, there are many children pulling the floats with ropes. The main floats are fan-shaped and more two-dimensional and lantern-like. As with the Nebuta floats, the Neputa floats are handpainted and illuminated from the inside. There are two parade routes which are followed alternately on different nights. On the 7th, there is only a daytime parade from 10:00 a.m. If it rains on any day, the parade may be canceled.

iI got to Hirosaki early enough before the parade to see the floats lined up at the starting point. Hirosaki is a 30-min. train ride from Aomori, and best known for Hirosaki Castle during cherry blossom season.

 

There are three types of floats: the large fan-shaped Neputa, Nebuta-type figures, and the children's small Neputa.

 

Fan-shaped Neputa. The painted picture on the front of the Neputa depicts mostly warriors and on the back are beautiful courtesans.

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Last modified: 2004-06-16