Tohoku Chopper Keychains! ♥ ご当地チョッパーマン: 東北

Part III of my gotouchi (ご当地, location limited) Chopper Keychains! ♥ Part I was Chubu, part II was Kantou (: Yes it's a collection, I do not think I can actually use up all of these keychains ^^

Akita limited, Namahage version

秋田限定:　なまはげ

Namahage is a festival/ritual/event unique to the Akita prefecture.

There's also a Kantou Festival version, but I couldn't find it :(

Yamagata limited, Cherry version 2

山形限定:　さくらんぼ2

Yamagata prefecture is famous for its cherries and cherry products.

Fukushima limited, Akabeko version

福島限定:　あかべこ2

Akabeko is a traditional red cow toy from the Aizu region in Fukushima.

Iwate limited, Wanko Soba version

岩手限定:　わんこそば

Iwate is famous for its soba.

Miyagi limited, Gyutan version

宮城限定:　牛タン

Miyagi is famous for its delicious gyutan.

There's also a Tanabata Festival version, but I couldn't find it! :(

Miyagi is the prefecture in which Sendai is located.

Fukushima limited, Byakkotai version

福島限定:　白虎隊

The Byakkotai was part of the Aizu forces, located in Fukushima.

I know that the Tochigi prefecture is part of the Kantou region and not Tohoku, but it borders Fukushima, which is part of Tohoku, and I went there while on the Tohoku trip, so I'm gonna lump the Tochigi Chopper keychains together with the Tohoku ones, since I got them together ~ (:

Tochigi limited, Sano Ramen version.

栃木限定:　佐野ラーマン

Tochigi is famous for Sano ramen.

It's famous for strawberries as well, but I couldn't find the strawberry version :(

Utsunomiya limited, Gyoza version 2

宇都宮限定:　餃子2

Utsunomiya is famous for its gyoza.

Utsunomiya is the capital of the Tochigi prefecture.

Nasu limited, eggplant version

那須限定:　茄子

A word-play on the name.

The word for eggplant in Japanese is "nasu" (茄子),

though a different kanji from the place "Nasu" (那須).

Nasu is a highland region located in the Tochigi prefecture.

The other Chopper Keychains I've collected are from the Chubu and Kantou regions~ ♥

Akita Kantou Festival 2011 ♥ Part II

To add on to my previous post, here's more information on the Akita Kantou Fesitval ♥ Held in the Akita Prefecture, the bamboo poles with lanterns in the shape of bales of rice hanging on them are collectively known as "kantou"; hence the name of the festival. The bigger, heavier kantou are known as oowaka, and the smaller version for kids are called kowaka/youwaka.

Like the brochure says, this year, the festival was held from 3~6 August.

In the entire festival, there are 250 poles and 10,000 lanterns.

It really pretty seeing a sea of yellow-orange lights illuminating the night.

This brochure shows the size of the oowaka and components. Unextended, the oowaka is 12m and weighs around 50kg. To the rhythm of the beating drums and flutes, all 250 lanterns are hoisted up simultaneously, and performers take turns balancing them whilst ensuring that no candle loses its flame. A piece of paper, a Shinto offering known as "gohei" is attached at the top of each oowaka, and also aids in showing the wind direction.

It was really hot and humid that evening, saw this fan on a stand behind us and asked if it was on sale, but it was free. Turned out that the stand behind us was a stand by Japan Post, the postal service of Japan. They were also selling commemorative letter sets, postcards, stamps and other postal-related memorabilia.

This one caught my eye.

A postcard depicting the performances in the festival.

The men balance the whole weight of the huge poles on a tiny area on their bodies.

Also got a limited edition stamp set depicting the festival.

The stamps say "Akita Kantou Matsuri" and show various pictures of performers and parts of the festival.

At points in the performance, the performers add bamboo extensions to make the base longer, extending it beyond the original 12m and making it harder to balance, as in the stamp on the right.

The kind person manning the stall also gave me a free file, red star keychain, packet of tissues and face towel with my purchases^^

As the procession moves along the streets, you'll hear shouts of どっこいしょ! どっこいしょ! (dokkoisho! dokkoisho!)

Having so many poles of lanterns illuminating the night, accompanied by the melody of flutes and rhythm of drums is truly a beautiful experience ♥

Akita Kantou Festival 2011 ♥ 秋田竿燈まつり

This amazing guy took out and performed with not 1, not 2 but THREE umbrellas WHILE balancing a 50kg bamboo pole (oowaka)! The Akita Kantou Festival originated in the 18th century, and is now one of the biggest and most important summer festivals in the Tohoku region. Performers balances huge, heavy oowaka with lanterns with their foreheads, hands, shoulders or hips. These poles can weigh up to 50kg!!

Of course there are smaller versions (kowaka/youwaka, depending on age), for little kids to take part and try their hand at balancing. A lot of skill is required, and the performers really take pride in their abilities.

A bit dark, but focus your attention on the guy in the middle. Yes, he is balancing that whole big pole of lanterns on his FOREHEAD. Amazing isn't it! This was one of the bigger and heavier poles, so the performers must've been really seasoned!

Before the festival began~

Stalls selling food and drinks~

Pickled eggplants and cucumbers~

Noodles~

Squid!

One of my most beloved foods ♥

People queuing for food before the start of the performances.

Even little kids took part in the festival, it was really cute so see community spirit in them even at their tender ages!

Rows and rows of lanterns on a pole

Choco-banana (チョコバナナ), bananas coated with chocolate and sprinkles~

Little boys trying their hand

Adorable!

One of the bigger poles

This lad was pretty good!

Beautiful lanterns illuminating the streets~

A very beautiful and touching night indeed. Seeing the sense of teamwork and community spirit while watching the whole group working together to make a performance go well, supporting each other and ensuring each other's safety really makes you feel warm inside thinking about it^^

A second post with more information here~!