260,000 Enthusiasts Fill Akita with Passion Tohoku Rokkon Festival Under the "Shining" Theme

The "Tohoku Rokkon Matsuri 2015 Akita" (organized by the festival executive committee), bringing together six major Tohoku festivals, was held in Akita City on May 30 and 31. The theme for this fifth iteration was "Shine." The Aomori Nebuta Festival, Akita Kanto Festival, Morioka Sansa Dance, Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, Sendai Tanabata Festival, and Fukushima Waraji Festival gathered together, staging parades and stage events that captivated 260,000 visitors from across Japan.

The parade route spanned approximately 1.2 kilometers along Sannō-ōdōri Avenue, from the Prefectural Government Building No. 2 to the Prefectural Children's Center. Starting in the evening of the 30th, the climax featured the first-ever lighting of the Kanto lanterns at the Six Spirits Festival, further heightening the festival's excitement.

Additionally, various events promoting Tohoku products and tourism were held at venues such as Yatsuhashi Sports Park (Main Square) and Nakaichi Nigiwai Square. Sponsoring companies also set up booths showcasing their unique offerings. Visitors enjoyed the festival atmosphere while touring the various locations.

The Tohoku Rokkon Festival was first held in Sendai City in July 2011 to signal the start of recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Since then, it has been held in Morioka City, Fukushima City, and Yamagata City.