Akita Kanto

The Akita Kanto Festival is a summer celebration wishing for a good harvest, with roots tracing back to the Edo period. Originally known as Neburi Nagashi, it was held during the hot O-bon season to drive away illness and misfortune. Today, it is one of the major festivals of the Tohoku region.

At the heart of the festival are the Kanto — bamboo poles ranging from 5 to 12 meters tall, adorned with 24 to 46 paper lanterns and paper streamers called gohei. Some poles weigh up to 50 kilograms. At night, around 270 glowing Kanto line the streets, creating a striking spectacle. During the day, performers demonstrate their balancing skills in a variety of techniques.

These include Nagashi, where two people lift the pole and pass it off after adding an extension; Hirate, where the Kanto is held still high on the palm; Hitai, a forehead balance requiring firm stance and control; Kata, where the pole is lowered straight onto the shoulder; and Koshi, a waist balance that requires a deep lean and solid footing.

The festival is also marked by two types of traditional music. Nagashi-hayashi is played during the street processions, while Hon-hayashi accompanies the main performances. The deep resonance of the drums and the clear, high-pitched flute melodies signal the arrival of the festival and fill the summer air with energy and anticipation.