Uniting a strong will for recovery 270,000 people at "Tohoku Rokkon Festival 2016 Aomori"

The Tohoku Rokkon Festival 2016 Aomori (organized by the festival executive committee) was held in Aomori City on June 25 and 26. This event brought together six major festivals from the Tohoku region to pray for the repose of the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and for the region's recovery. The Tohoku Rokkon Festival, which began in Sendai City in 2011 and has been held annually, has now completed its tour of the Tohoku region. During the approximately 1-kilometer parade through the city center, a total of 1,320 performers gave energetic and passionate performances. Over the two days, the audience reached 270,000 people, who cheered loudly and applauded generously from the streets, uniting their hopes for recovery.

This year's theme was "Jump." Following the Akita Kanto Festival dance performance, the parade was led by floats from the special guest Hachinohe Sansa Festival, followed by the Morioka Sansa Dance, Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, Sendai Tanabata Festival, Fukushima Waraji Festival, and Aomori Nebuta Festival. Despite strong winds and light rain both days, performers radiated smiles undeterred, prompting spectators to cheer just as enthusiastically. On the 25th, starting at dusk, three large illuminated Nebuta floats made their appearance, captivating the crowds lining the streets.

Additionally, at Aoi Umi Park (Main Square), sponsoring companies set up booths showcasing their unique offerings. Meanwhile, at various venues like the West Square of Nebuta no Ie Waraisse, events promoting Tohoku products and tourism unfolded. Visitors enjoyed "Tohoku" to the fullest as they toured the different locations.

At the closing ceremony on the 26th, footage from the Tohoku Rokkon Festival held across the six cities was projected onto a screen, reflecting on the journey so far. Mayors from each city then took the stage with their theme flags. Performers gathered at the front of the stage, and finally, together with the audience, they sang "Furusato" (Hometown), reaffirming their strong will for Tohoku's recovery.