Nebuta Matsuri, part one

Aomori Nebuta Matsuri History and Float Construction

Legend suggests that nebuta comes from nemuri (sleepy). Blaming the devilish sandman for the drowsiness that plagued them on hot summer days, Aomori citizens originated this event to banish their tormentor. It's thought that the festival began as a way of waking up sleepy souls with the fall harvest season coming up.

Monday, July 5: Construction of Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Float

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I would recommend visiting ASPM during a summer months preceding Aomori’s famed Nebuta Matsuri because 22 large canvas buildings surronding ASPM temporarily house the construction of these parade floats. One can get a glimpse of artisans assembling the wooden frames, fastening lights, affixing paper, and painting historic Japanese figures on these ornate structures.

Subjects and rough drawings

Subjects depicted are from samurai warriors, historically famous generals, or characters bearing some resemblance from well-known kabuki plays. the map below shows what the 22 parade floats will look like and in which tents they are housed.

Framework, electrical wiring, and lighting

Prior to 1955, designers used bamboo to build the frame. However, builders now use wood to construct its frame. In addition, electricians apply about 150 kg (330 lbs.) of wire and 600-800 fluorescent tubes or bulbs to its frame. Before 1969 when 40 kW diesel generators were introduced to power lighting, battery-operated lanterns, kerosene lanterns, and wax candles illuminated floats.

Paper hanging and scene painting

To create the bare-white papier-mâché float, craftsmen paste about 2,500 sheets of high quality paper and one-sided news print with wood glue to each section of the wire framework.

Waxing, painting, and coloring

Borders between colors are marked out with paraffin to prevent blurring of ink. Artisans then hand-paint or spray on dyes and water paints to color the remaining blank parts. This process, combined with accentuated lighting, leads to the highly colorful floats.

Lifting the float

Finally, about 50 people lift the float onto its 2m high carriage, which also contains another generator, and is completed by hanging red and white streamers. Each finished float is about 5m high x 9m wide x 7m long and weighs between 4-4.5 tons.