Hanawa Neputa Lantern Parade

Held each year on August 7 & 8, Hanawa Neputa is a tradition based on Tanabata (star festival), originating in the times of feudal rule. Huge paper lanterns in the shape of the king’s pawn in the Japanese version of chess are paraded around town, alongside 2 meter-high taiko (traditional Japanese drums) being beaten passionately. These lanterns depict famous warriors as well as Japanese characters such as “King”, “Tanabata” and “Milky Way.”

April 30, 2016