I tried to summarize the history and origin of the “Akita Kanto Festival” where paper lanterns that look like ears of rice color the summer night sky! The Kanto Festival is an annual event held in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, from August 3 to August 6. The lanterns are tied to long bamboo poles with horizontal bamboos, and up to 46 lanterns are hung from the poles. The whole Kanto poles are likened to ears of rice, and the row of lanterns are likened to a lot of rice bags, pray for a bountiful harvest by placing the Kanto pole on the forehead, waist, and shoulders. It is designated as […]