Noshiro Nebunagashi (Noshiro Yaku-Tanabata)

About

Also known as Noshiro Nebunagashi, this is Noshiro's summer festival. Legends of its origin vary, from lanterns used to intimidate enemies in ancient campaigns to lanterns burned and floated down the Yoneshiro River to pray for a good harvest, shake off midsummer drowsiness and drive away disease. It is also called Yaku-Tanabata because everyone involved holds a formal role and the hierarchy is strictly observed. In the 1830s a local carpenter built a lantern modeled on Nagoya Castle, and castle-shaped lanterns have lit up the night sky ever since. Led by dengaku music, flutes and drums, crowds of young men haul the great lanterns through town, and on the following day the lanterns' shachi (mythical fish) ornaments are set ablaze and floated down the river in a dramatic finale.

Sources

• OfficialNoshiro City www.city.noshiro.lg.jp

Last checked: Oct 10, 2026. Event information is based on official announcements, but changes may not always be reflected here. Please check each official website for accurate details.

Other events this month

• Akita Kanto Festival
• Yuzawa Tanabata Painted Lantern Festival
• Hanawa Bayashi Festival
• Nishimonai Bon Odori
• Omagari Fireworks (National Fireworks Competition)