May 25, 2014 - 1 min read

Aoba Festival in Photos

A weekend of Sendai celebrations!

By Laura Welch

Community writer

The festival's mascot, Suzunosuke, can be seen wandering around. He will pose for you, or you can have your photo taken with him.

It's very busy, particularly on the Sunday, which is the main day of the festival.

Suzume Odori groups dance down the covered arcades to bright, cheerful music.

Each group has slightly different choreography, costumes and colored fans.

The festival wouldn't be complete without Date Masamune, who is often seen at various Sendai events with his group, Date Bushoutai.

Dozens of food stalls sell all sorts of food. There's local food and festival food and takes on a favorite, like these quail's egg takoyaki.

One stall was selling Thai food, like this sweet pancake-like flatbread.

One of the open-air performances featured dramatic swordplay by university students.

Date Masamune's forces are attacked by an enemy group.

There was a ninja and lots of melodramatic death scenes.

Eventually the two opposing feudal lords battle it out for victory.

There are four big festivals in Sendai: Tanabata, Jozenji-dori Street Jazz Festival, Starlight Pageant and Aoba Festival. Aoba is the biggest ward in Sendai, home to Aoba Castle and Sendai Station. All of the above festivals take place here.

Aoba Festival has a history spanning hundreds of years. The signature dance, Suzume Odori, is said to have been first danced by stone masons on completion of Aoba Castle just after 1600. The festival is a celebration of Sendai and of its founder, Date Masamune.

It is held once a year, over a weekend in May. Kotodai Koen Park and Jozenji-dori Avenue fill with people who come to spectate and to enjoy all the amusements and food stalls, many of which sell local food like sasakamaboko. Suzume Odori groups dance down the covered arcades. There are open-air and stage performances and a huge parade that closes the streets. If you want to experience Sendai, this is an event not to be missed.