Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of the most important annual events in northern Japan. Deeply rooted in Aomori's culture and spirituality, this festival has been held faithfully for generations.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, festivities were canceled in 2020 and in 2021. Worried that this precious tradition might be lost, the organizers decided to hold the event with a small complement of performers and broadcast it online. Join the event online and witness one of the greatest summer festivals in Japan!

The Aomori Nebuta Festival has been held each summer for centuries, celebrated in the beginning of August. "Nebuta" is the word for the giant lanterns paraded through the cities.

These lanterns are made from traditional paper and bamboo. They are decorated with images of mythical heroes and legendary creatures, as well as famous scenes from legends and folk stories.

It is truly heartbreaking for the people of Aomori to not be able to carry out this tradition for the second year in a row. For many of them, this festival is a spiritual duty just like an annual visit to the family grave, which is also practiced at this time of the year during the days of Obon.

That's why the organizers of the Aomori Nebuta Festival have decided to hold the festival online for those who cannot return to their hometowns because of the pandemic and for those who are looking forward to witnessing this amazing event. We hope that the love for this tradition will spread, ensuring the continuation of the festival in the decades to come.

The Aomori Summer Festival is a general term for the nebuta festivals held concurrently in all of Aomori's major cities. By viewing the event online, you get to see the highlights of all the major festivals: Aomori Nebuta Festival, Hirosaki Neputa Festival, Hachinohe Sansha Taisai, Goshogawa Tachineputa Festival (famous for its outstanding music performances), and more!

One of the participant nebuta lanterns will be carrying a prayer for the end of the pandemic and restoration of our livelihoods. The ritual burning of this lantern is one of the festival highlights.

There are several activities held alongside the festival, including online introductions to the culture and nature of Aomori, interactive workshops on festival dancing and chant, as well as online shopping for Aomori souvenirs (Japanese only).

Turn your online viewing of the Aomori Summer Festival into an interactive experience by joining some of these workshops. While most of the activities are free, some are paid. For details, please check the official website of the Aomori Online Summer Festival 2021 (Japanese only)

Let's enjoy this unique chance to learn more about Aomori before visiting this incredibly charming region in person!

Applying for the Aomori Online Summer Festival 2021 is free of charge. Please use this application form and fill in your information.

You'll receive an email with the links to the video broadcasts of the event on July 30 (pre-event), July 31 (first day of the festival), and August 1 (second day of the festival).

We hope you enjoy this amazing festival online and visit Aomori in the future to experience its charm to the fullest!