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The burning fire, surging crowd of people, people screaming, swinging light... In the snow... The splash of sweat, expression of people's energy. They quietly pray for autumn harvest. The strong rhythm from the flutes and drums... It's MATSURI ( =festival)! ORAHO's(=our) Festival!!
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| ■Kanto Festival
(Akita city, Aug 3rd-6th) In the middle of the summer, the lanterns made from ears of rice twinkle in Akita city. And 2.2milion 50kg bamboo-pole lanterns seems like the "Milky Way" moving in the summer's night sky. |
■Namahage Sedo
Festival
(Oga city, Fri, Sat, Sun after the 2nd Tuesday of February) This festival symbolizes the poetic charm of winter in Akita. During this festival, Shinji-no-yu no Mai dance and the Chinkama festival can be seen along with an appearance by a Namahage (people dressed as messengers of gods) and Namahage drum music, dancing and so on. |
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| ■Noshiro Nebu Nagashi
(Noshiro city, Aug 5th- 6th) Castle shaped lanterns appear as people play flutes and drums, praying for health and safety for all residents of the town. |
■Komachi Festival
（Yuzawa city, 2nd Sun of June） This festival is held in Syakuyakuzuka (komachizuka) on the 2nd Sun of June. 7 young ladies who were chosen by the town read 7 Waka(poem) while walking through Komachi hall. |
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| ■Tanabata Dourou
Festival
（Yuzawa city, Aug 5th-7th） Bamboo trees with colorful paper and streamers are seen at the gate. |
■Nashimonai Bon Festival
Dance
（Ugo town, Aug 16th-18th） The Bon Dance is both elegant and graceful with its long history and culture. |
■Inukko Festival
（Yuzawa city, 2nd Sat and Sun in Feb） This festival has about 380 years history. In the past, rice powders used to make dog or crane- shaped charms and placed them by windows and doors to ensure that evil people would stay away. |
Suggestions and Comments: E-mail: kanko@ref.akita.jp
