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The Yomiuri Shimbun Yui Yokoyama, right, and Edogawa University Prof. Toru Anami stand in front of nebuta festival posters.
The Yomiuri Shimbun
13:00 JST, December 10, 2020
When I think of summer in Aomori Prefecture, nebuta festivals always spring to mind.
Even though this year’s Aomori Nebuta Festival in Aomori was canceled, I wanted to learn more about it to get ready for next year’s. So, I sat down for an interview with Prof. Toru Anami, a folklorist at Edogawa University.
“Prof. Anami, give us the scoop on nebuta festivals!”
Yui Yokoyama: A few years ago was my first time seeing an Aomori Nebuta Festival up close and personal. I was overwhelmed because the floats were bigger and more imposing than I thought they’d be. How long have the festivals been held?
Anami: According to records, the festival began in the city of Hirosaki in 1722.
Yokoyama: That long ago!? By the way, I’ve noticed that the name of the festival is “nebuta” in Aomori and “neputa” in Hirosaki. Do both names have the same origin?
Anami: That much isn’t clear. However, both words are said to derive from the Nemuri-nagashi, which was a ritual to ward off drowsiness. It seems that at that time sleepiness interfered with summer work.
Yui Yokoyama
Born on Feb. 22, 2001. She takes pride in being the leader of the 48 dance group and once taking center stage during a music show.
