Akita City - Akita Kanto Festival

Akita Kanto Festival

This festival began 350 years ago, which is consistent with the Tanabata and lunar basins events and is the most representative summer festival in Japan. This festival features participants who balance 15 meter poles with 230 lanterns on their chins; the main event is held during the evening and night hours, between the 3rd and 6th of August every year. This style of festival is also seen in Hamburg, Germany in 1988, Honolulu, Hawaii in 2002, London, England in 2004, and opening event in World Games in 2001. During the festival, Kanto stunt events are held in Senshu Park during daylight hours and involved many amateur participants section. This event was first held in 1931 and every subsequent year, except during disruption between 1935 to 1946 and in 1953 and 1965.