[Akita/Tohoku Three Major Festivals] Explaining the basic information and how to enjoy the "Akita Kanto Festival"!

1. What is “Akita Kanto Festival”?

1-1 Origin and history of “Akita Kanto Festival”

The origin of the Akita Kanto Festival is thought to be the Tanabata Festival, and its history dates back to the mid-Edo period. At that time, an Obon event called ``Neburi Nagashi'' was held on the eve of the Tanabata Festival on July 7th to pray for the safety and good health of families. Children were walking through the town to float the bamboo leaves on which they had lowered their wishes to the river, but later on, young people holding long poles with many lighted lanterns in a criss-cross pattern walked through the town while playing drums. Developed into a parade. Since the shape of the pole resembles an ear of rice or a rice bale, it has come to symbolize prayers for a rich harvest. This is said to be the origin of the Akita Kanto Festival.

1-2 When is the Akita Kanto Festival held?

The Akita Kanto Festival is held in Akita City for four days from August 3rd to August 6th every year.

1-3 Highlights of “Akita Kanto Festival”

​​​​ The highlight of the Akita Kanto Festival is the virtuosity of the performers. They not only carry around a large 50kg kanto (a pole with many lanterns attached to it), but also perform the skillful technique of supporting the kanto by resting it on one point on their palm, waist, forehead, or shoulder. The kanto is 12 meters long, and during the performance, a piece of bamboo called ``tsugidake'' is added to increase its height. Each 1.2m long piece of bamboo is gradually joined together to reach a maximum height of about 20m. As the kanto increases in height, the load increases, causing it to flex considerably, and if handled incorrectly, could easily break. Sashite discerns the limits of the kanto and handles it delicately, while still presenting bold and dynamic performances.

Furthermore, all of the lanterns attached to the kanto are lit with real candles, which can be extinguished by the wind. In the unlikely event that the handler loses his balance, it may catch fire. Sashite is also conscious of giving a calm and good performance without putting out the fire. There are also children who perform the tricks, and they show off skills that rival the adults. The smallest Kanto for children weighs 5kg and is 5m high. The maximum weight is 30 kg and the height is 9 m. In addition to the performances, you can also enjoy the ``Kantouhayashi,'' which features the brave sound of drums and soothing flutes.

[Kanto technique]

・Nagashi…A technique to support the Tsugitake so that the next person can easily join it.

・Hirate…Hold the kanto high over your palm and hold it still.

・Forehead: Place the kanto on your forehead to balance it.

・Shoulder: Beginner technique of balancing a kanto on your shoulder

・Waist...The ultimate technique of balancing the kanto on your waist.

1-4​ Where and how to view?

The main venue for the Akita Kanto Festival in the evening is Kanto Odori Street near JR Akita Station. The highlight of the festival is, of course, the virtuoso skills of the Sashate, so we recommend that you get up close to see them. If you want to enjoy the festival atmosphere even if you can't see it up close, you can reserve a spot early near the main venue, but if possible, it's better to watch from the paid seats. Reservations for paid seats will be accepted online, by phone, and by fax starting around May. There are Masu seats, S seats, A seats, and B seats, and it is especially wise to make early reservations for Masu seats, which close within a few days from the time of registration. There are also tours with paid viewing seats, so if you don't want to make arrangements, we recommend going on a tour.

1-5 Access to the venue

The main venue for the Akita Kanto Festival is closest to JR Akita Station. If you are visiting from afar and using public transportation, the shortest route in terms of time would be to fly to Akita Airport and then take a bus to JR Akita Station. Akita Airport is approximately 65 minutes from Haneda Airport (Tokyo), and approximately 85 minutes from Osaka International Airport (Osaka) and Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya). It takes about 40 minutes from Akita Airport to JR Akita Station using the limousine bus Akita Airport Line. Also, if you use the Akita Shinkansen, it will take at least 3 hours and 50 minutes to get from Tokyo to Akita.

2. Fun day and night! Enjoy the Akita Kanto Festival

2-1 [Hirukantou] Enjoy the Sashite technique at the “Kantou Myogikai”

The ``Akita Kanto Festival'' includes the main festival at night (commonly known as ``Yoronban''), as well as the ``Kanto Myogikai'' held for three days from August 4th to 6th (commonly known as ``Hirukanto''). )there is. The ``Kanto Myogikai'' is a competition where performers compete individually and in groups to become the ``master'', and is held at the ``Area Nakaichi Nigiwai Hiroba.'' The performers are judged based on the beauty of the kata and the stability of their technique, and there is also a performance competition for the hayashi performers. The appeal is that you can enjoy the virtuoso skills of the performers and the pleasant sounds of the hayashi performers up close in an atmosphere different from that at night. The results will be announced on the last day of the festival. On the final day of the show, it would be nice to see Sashite's performance, which received the title of ``master'' in ``Hirukantou,'' again in ``Night Performance.''

2-2 [Night performance] The sight of lanterns lined up in rows is a sight to behold

During the ``night performance,'' you can see vivid virtuosity along with the enthusiasm of the performers and hayashi performers, as well as chants of ``Dokkoisho, Dokkoisho.'' The main venue, Kanto Odori Street, is lined with rows of lanterns illuminated by flickering lanterns, which is a sight to behold. In particular, on the final day, after receiving the winner's announcement in the ``Hirukantou'', the master appeared in the ``Night Show'' still excited. You will see even more passionate and powerful acting. In addition, during the ``Night Performance,'' there is a ``Fureai Kanto'' time after the performance, where viewers can actually touch the kanto and take commemorative photos (subject to cancellation).

2-3 [Return Kanto] The fun of Tsuu where you can enjoy the local atmosphere

If you watch up to ``Geri Kanto,'' you'll be in for a treat. In general sightseeing, there are many viewings of ``daylight kanto'' and ``night kanto,'' but there is also something called ``return kanto.'' ``Modari Kanto'' is a small event that is held after the ``night performance'' by returning to the base (in the town, etc.) of each organization to which the senders belong, as a token of gratitude for the local people. I understand. There aren't many tourists, so you'll have a chance to talk to the people. It's up to each organization whether or not they will hold ``Return Kanto,'' but if you have the opportunity, why not experience it in a different way?

2-4 Savor Akita gourmet food at Akita Kanto Yatai Village

Festival gourmet food is also a must-see. At the Akita Kanto Festival, the Akita Kanto Stall Village will be held simultaneously at multiple venues. In addition to Akita gourmet foods such as Babahera Ice Cream, Kiritanpo, and Yokote Yakisoba, you can also enjoy local sake. Venues and exhibitors will be posted on the official website's announcements and event information, so be sure to check them out before heading out. *Please check the official website for venue details as they are subject to change.

3. Sightseeing spots you should visit along with the “Akita Kanto Festival”

3-1 ``Akita Folk Performing Arts Museum'' where you can experience holding a kanto in your hand

The Akita Folklore Performing Arts Museum, about a 15-minute walk from JR Akita Station, is a facility that introduces Akita City's folklore, performing arts, and traditional events. Nicknamed ``Neburi Nagashikan'', the ``Akita Kanto Festival'' is explained in detail through videos and materials. There is also an actual display of Kanto, and you can even hold it. When you actually hold it, you will be surprised at its weight and realize how amazing the skill of the holding hand is.

3-2 “Chishu Park” where the Lotus Festival is held at the same time

Senshu Park, about a 10-minute walk from JR Akita Station, is the ruins of Kubota Castle, built by Yoshinobu Satake, the first lord of the Akita domain, and is a Japanese garden with beautiful seasonal nature. A lotus festival is held during the Akita Kanto Festival, and the lotus flowers are lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere. After the festival, why not take a walk enjoying the night breeze?

3-3 “Roadside Station Akita Port” where you can see, play, and eat, all come true

Roadside Station Akita Port, about 25 minutes by bus from JR Akita Station, is Akita City's only roadside station. In addition to Selion Tower, where you can see Akita Port from 100 meters above ground for free, and Selion Lista, an indoor green park with an all-glass wall, there are restaurants where you can enjoy Akita gourmet food, an observation cafe 96 meters above ground, and a marche where you can buy souvenirs.

4. Overwhelmed by the mastery of the hand! Let's go to the Akita Kanto Festival, which is fun both day and night!

The Akita Kanto Festival is an attractive festival where you can see unique techniques. Another point is that you can enjoy it in different ways during the day and at night.