Akita Kantou masturi 2024

The “Tōrō Nagashi” festival is said to have originated during the Hōreki era as a ritual to ward off summer diseases and evil spirits.

The oldest existing document mentioning this event is Tsunamura Sōan’s travelogue “Yuki no Furu Michi,” written in the first year of Kansei (1789). It introduces the “Neburi Nagashi” held on the 6th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar. By this time, the event had already been transmitted as a distinctive tradition in Akita. The prototype of the festival is described as involving long poles arranged in a cross shape, adorned with numerous lanterns, parading through the town with drumming. The lanterns could number two or three sets.

Originally, the “Neburi Nagashi” carried out in the vicinity of Akita city, even before the domain administration, involved decorating the town with strips of paper on bamboo or Japanese Judas trees, inscribed with wishes. Participants would then parade through the town and finally release the decorated strips into the river. It is said that this tradition evolved into a unique event by combining elements such as the spread of candles during the Hōreki era and the use of tall lanterns displayed in front of gates during the Bon Festival.

 

 

 

 

Outline of the Festival

2024 Kanto Festival Schedule and Seat Reservations

Schedule
Thursday, August 3 – Sunday, August 6
Venue
Kanto Boulevard (main night performance)

 

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