Introduction of the Tsugaru culture

1. Introduction of the Tsugaru culture Hirosaki Gakuin University English course Junior Kota

2. Theme:Hirosaki Neputa Festival ●Main point of my project • The history of Neputa • The differences between “Neputa”and”Nebuta” • How do we enjoy Neputa festival

3. What is “Neputa” • Neputa is a traditional festival that Tsugaru region has. It takes place in August 1 to 7 at night time. Many people parade with big floats 6 to10 meters height and shapes fan playing Japanese flute and large bass drum. Most of them has a picture called “Neputa-e” which the scene of the war that samurai lived in Japanese oldest era to Sengoku period.

4. The scenes of people taking part in Neputa.

5. The history of Neputa • The origin of it has two theories. （ⅰ）In old time, Tsugaru people floated lanterns in the rivers and wished not have illness and disaster at Japanese Tanabata festival (star festival) . （ⅱ）The shogun of Heian period Sakanoueno Tamuramaro made a big doll to entice enemies away.

6. Generally accepted opinion • In the mid-Edo period, samurai class children made big floats and paraded them through the neighborhood of their town. When they met an other float, they threw rocks to it. The origin of Neputa is “fight” with other town.

7. The difference between “Neputa” and “Nebuta” • Mainly, “Neputa” is a fan-type float. “Nebuta” is a doll type float. The former comes Hirosaki region, the other comes Aomori region. Not only this float difference, but also the rhythm of the music, costume and mood are different. However, the areas between these region use both names without distinguishing.

8. Nebuta ・Doll-type ・Around Aomori city area Neputa ・Fan-type ・Around Hirosaki city area Difference

9. The appeal of the Neputa • Dynamic “Neputa-e” and artistic “Okuri-e” Every Neputa have Neputa-eat the face of the Neputa. Neputa painters draw thepictures of massive warriors. In contrast, the back of it has the Okuri-e. It is paints beautiful Japanese or Chinese woman in past age. You will feel the powerfulness of the Neputa-e with the rhythm of the drums and flute. After Neputa is gone, you can see the Okuri-e, and feel the good sadness or emptiness. This is the nice flavor of the Neputa festibal.

10. Neputa-e Okuri-e Neputa-e and Okuri-e

11. The best way of enjoying Neputa • Seeing Neputa is very fun. You can feel the excitement of it. How ever, the best way to enjoy is participating in it. Generally, a neighborhood association has a Neputa and people take part in their association’s Neputa, but some associations accept people who want to join their Neputa. Your feelings will run high if you join in!

12. Lastly Neputa is the great culture Tsugaru region has. I want you to know and enjoy it once. If you come to Tsugaru, Please see it,and if you possible, take part in it. Neputa is marvelous!