June 18 - 19, 2006

Aomori Prefecture is the most northern prefecture on the main island of Honshu. Aomori faces Hokkaido and it also borders both Iwate and Akita prefectures. The largest city in Aomori Prefecture is Aomori, and during the first week of August the city hosts the annual Nebuta Matsuri (Nebuta Festival). The Nebusta Matsuri is one of Japan's largest festivals, and it features illuminated floats and a lot of energetic dancing by everyone involved. Other highlights of Aomori Prefecture are Hirosaki Castle (southwest of Aomori), and the Shimokita Hanto (Shimokita Peninsula) which boasts wonderful coastal scenery and wildlife, including  a large population of wild monkeys.

Ticket to Aomori

Group leader Keiko Hisa gives instructions to the Mutsu group to board the plane.

Here is an Eastern toilet.

The view of Aomori - lots of green trees.

A big volcano in the background.

Here is my hotel bed and a view of Hirosaki City, Aomori.

The Mutsu group!

These are school uniforms for sale.

The Hirosaki Castle Ruins with its castle tower is now open to the public as Hirosaki Park. The park is surrounded by a triple moat and earthworks and is famous in Japan for its spectacular cherry blossoms in spring. There are many historical spots around Hirosaki Park including Nakamachi Buke-Yashiki (old samurai residences), Chosho-ji Temple that was built in the early 16th century and the heavy and steady looking 5-story pagoda of Saisho-in Temple, which boasts a height of 31 meters.

 

There are many seasonal attractions in Hirosaki throughout the year. Two spectacular festivals in Hirosaki are the Hirosaki Sakura-matsuri (Cherry blossom festival) and Neputa-matsuri Festival that is held in summer. Huge paper lanterns are made in the shapes of samurai warriors, birds and animals. The highly decorative lanterns are lit up and are displayed on floats during the procession down the main street. Fan-shaped lanterns with Neputa paintings that are displayed along the streets are a very familiar sight in Hirosaki, which brings a festive atmosphere to this historical castle town all year round.

 

About Nebuta:

The most generally accepted theory explaining the origin of the Nebuta Festival tells of the subjugation of rebels in the northern Tohoku area by General Tamuramaro in the early 800's. He had his army create large creatures, called "Nebuta", for frighten the enemy.

Another theory is that the Nebuta Festival was developed from the Tanabata festival in China. One of the customs during this festival was float called a Toro. A toro is a wooden frame box wrapped with Japanese paper. The Japanese light a candle inside the Toro and put it out to float onto the river or into the sea. The purpose behind this is to purify themselves and send the evil spirits out to sea. Toro floating is still one of the most impressive and beautiful sights during the summer nights of the Japanese festivals. On the final night, toto floating is accompanied by a large display of colorful fireworks. This is said to be the origin of the Nebuta Festival. Gradually these floats grew in size, as did the festivities, until they are the large size they are now.

Today the Nebuta floats are made of a wood base, carefully covered with Japanese paper, beautifully colored, and lighted from the inner part with hundreds of light bulbs. In early August the colorful floats are pulled through the streets accompanied by people dancing in native Nebuta costumes, playing tunes on flutes and drums.

Many Aomori citizens are involved in the building of these beautiful floats. The Nebuta designers create their designs, patterned after historical people or themes. Development of themes takes place immediately after the previous year's festivities come to a close. Consequently, it takes the entire year, first in the development, then in the construction of the Nebuta float.

One of the reasons for the popularity of the Nebuta festival is the free participation of many Aomori citizens. The sounds of the Nebuta drums and bamboo flutes inspire people to prepare costumes and begin practice of the Nebuta dances. As the beginning of the parade is signaled, "HANETO"(dancers) join hand-in-hand, and begin their journey through the streets of Aomori. These dancers, colorfully arrayed in Nebuta garb, welcome audience participation.

The float participated in Hawaii's 2006 Festival.

Shamisen player

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TSUGARU SHAMISEN:

Traditional Stringed Instrument Enjoys Resurgence

It comes from the northern part of the country, has a dark sound, and is usually used by a performer in kimono to accompany folk songs and enka (a traditional type of Japanese popular music). Until recently this was the image that most people had of the tsugaru shamisen, but lately this image has undergone a rapid transformation in most people's minds. The ranks of tsugaru shamisen players now range from veterans that have been working to promote the instrument for decades to popular young stars. Classes that teach how to play the instrument have also become popular.

The tsugaru shamisen is atypical of traditional Japanese music in a number of ways: Its performances are rich in improvisation, it is played at a quick tempo, and its sound and rhythm are forceful enough that it resembles a percussion instrument. These characteristics have led many to reevaluate its appropriateness as a modern instrument. While other types of shamisen were used as accompaniments in chamber music, performers of the tsugaru shamisen would go door to door in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and play their music in the hopes of receiving money. Because they wanted to attract attention, a unique and lively style of music evolved.

 

Many Japanese kites on display.

The carps come to you as if they are hungry.

 

A sushi dinner.

The cost of my unagi dinner is almost $19.

Instructions on the toilet usage.

Here's the switch.

This is how the toilet shoots the water.

A Japanese breakfast with salmon and rice.

Breakfast with Daniel and Deborah.

Here I am making balloon prizes for the winners of "catch the tail" game. These are special education students taught by student teachers of Hirosaki University.

The discussion with the professors and students at Hirosaki University.