With fervent thoughts for recovery~ 260,000 people at the Tohoku Rokkon Festival in Yamagata

The "Tohoku Rokkon Festival 2014 Yamagata" (organized by the festival executive committee) was held in Yamagata City on May 24th and 25th. This year marked the fourth iteration of the Tohoku Rokkon Festival, where the six major Tohoku festivals—Aomori Nebuta Festival, Akita Kanto Festival, Morioka Sansa Dance, Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, Sendai Tanabata Festival, and Fukushima Waraji Festival—gather together. Held for the first time on the Sea of Japan side, it adopted the theme "Beginning." With sponsorship from over 50 companies and organizations, the festival featured a parade with approximately 1,220 participants, stage events, a product exhibition, live music, and a performance flight by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse. It attracted a bustling crowd of 260,000 visitors, far exceeding initial expectations.

Mayor Ichikawa of Yamagata City delivering a speech representing the six cities at the festival ceremony

At the opening ceremony held on the 24th at the main venue, the Prefectural Citizens' Plaza, mayors from Aomori, Akita, Morioka, Yamagata, Sendai, and Fukushima—representing the executive committee—took the stage. Mayor Akio Ichikawa of Yamagata City, serving as chairman, stated, "True recovery cannot be achieved without the recovery of all of Tohoku. The theme 'Rise' embodies the will of Tohoku people: only by uniting and rising together can we envision a new form for Tohoku. As six festivals gather and perform with all their soul, I urge you to witness the spirit of Tohoku charging forward toward recovery." He emphasized the resolve to strengthen Tohoku's bonds and pursue genuine recovery. Following the opening ceremony, performers from the six parading festivals showcased dances and other performances on stage.

Sponsor booths bustling with many visitors

Sponsor booths, supporting the festival's purpose of praying for swift recovery from the disaster, promoted their products, services, and recovery support initiatives. A corner showcasing tourist spots and local products from six Tohoku cities was also set up. Both the sponsor booths and the corner were bustling with activity, drawing long lines.

During the approximately 1-kilometer parade through the city center, performers from each festival energetically performed with bright smiles. The sounds of taiko drums and flutes, combined with the loud applause and cheers from spectators lining the route, filled the course with excitement.

Official mascot "Rokkun" also made an appearance

Dancers from the "Yamagata Hanagasa Festival" spreading smiles with "Yassho, Makasho!"

This year's Rokkon Festival featured a newly planned music event titled "Rokkon Fes!" to support Tohoku's recovery. On the 24th, popular artists like Tatsuya Ishii and Tomomi Kahara performed their songs. On the 25th, the rock band GLAY hosted the "Rokkon Fes! Special Live," inviting 6,000 Yamagata citizens and performers. Additionally, local events like the "Yamagata Marugoto Food Festa" and "Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Market" were held, allowing visitors to enjoy Yamagata's charms while exploring the city.

The Feverishly Exciting "Rokkon Fes"

The Blue Impulse aerobatic team also contributed to the excitement with their acrobatic flight. Visitors looked up, trying to capture the moment with their cameras.