About Kanto Festival

Akita's Kanto Festival is one of the three major festivals in Japan, held annually in Akita City in early August, and is a traditional festival to pray for a good harvest. The festival is known for its unique performance of giant “Kanto,” a string of lanterns strung on bamboo poles that are held up in the air to resemble ears of rice. The biggest Kanto is 12 meters high and weighs more than 50 kilograms. The skill and power of a single person balancing and lifting these lanterns fascinates spectators.

The greatest feature of the Kanto Festival is the dynamic performance. The sight of the skilled “osate,” or “handlers,” supporting the lanterns with their palms, foreheads, shoulders, and waists while maintaining balance is a sight to behold. The scene is fantastic and beautiful, with countless lanterns swaying in the night sky, and light spilling from the lanterns as they sway. The streets of Akita City at night are filled with countless lanterns, creating the illusion of being in a sea of light.

Another attraction of the festival is the sense of unity with the spectators. Whenever the Kanto lanterns sway, the audience shouts “Dokoisho, dokoisho, dokoisho,” and the echoes of these shouts enliven the entire festival. This chanting inspires the performers to continue their performance while bearing the weight of the lanterns, and the audience and performers can enjoy the sense of togetherness that makes the festival a success.

The Kanto Festival is also a competitive event. The performers compete to see how high, beautiful, and stable they can lift their lanterns, providing excitement and power to the spectators. In between the competitions, the lanterns on top of the lanterns sway in the night breeze, creating a fantastic spectacle. The festival ends with a finale on a street called “Kanto Boulevard,” where hundreds of Kanto lanterns are lifted in unison to create a spectacular sight.

Furthermore, during the Kanto Festival, various related events and food stalls line the streets of Akita City, where visitors can enjoy Akita's local cuisine and specialty products. This allows visitors to fully enjoy not only the festival itself, but also Akita's culture and climate.

The Kanto Festival is a valuable festival for its dynamic performances, fantastic spectacle, and in-depth experience of local traditions and culture. For visitors, it is one of Akita's most representative events, providing an unforgettable experience once seen.