The Akita Kanto Matsuri, along with the Sendai Tanabata and the Aomori Nebuta, are the big three festivals of Tohoku, the Japanese name for Northern Japan. The heroics of the lantern bearers loom large and you can come close and personal with the teams vying for the best kanto bearer.
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Akita Kanto Matsuri Festival
Primal Drums and Lanterns of the Night

By Bonson Lam
Community writer

Getting ready for the show stage right at the Kanto Matsuri in Akita

Looking on in earnest at the Kanto Matsuri in Akita

Different Characters represent different teams at the Kanto Festival in Akita After Dark

Steadying the poles of the Night Lanterns at the Kanto Festival in Akita After Dark

Skillful hands at the Kanto Festival in Akita After Dark

Night Lanterns at the Kanto Festival in Akita After Dark
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