Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, as a benefit of hometown tax payment Hirosaki Neputa in Kobe 2026" Pilots Wanted!

This page is auto-translated. Pleasenote that content may contain errors or differ from the original.

Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, invites you to participate in "Hirosaki Neputa in Kobe 2026" scheduled to be held in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, on May 29, 2026 (Friday), in order for more people to feel the charm and enthusiasm of "Hirosaki Neputa" designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. We are looking for people who are interested in participating in the Hirosaki Neputa as a benefit (not a gift) of Furusato tax payment.

Hirosaki Neputa in Kobe (in 2025)

Outline of Privilege

Date: Friday, May 29, 2026

Location： Kobe Harbor Land in front of umie mosaic (Takahama Quay)

Description： Experience pulling the main body of Hirosaki Neputa, which will be operated in the Hirosaki Neputa in Kobe 2026, through the bay area

Target participants

Those who donate 10,000 yen or more to the "Hirosaki 4 Major Festivals Support Course" in the Hirosaki City Hometown Tax Payment between March 19 (Thu.) and April 29 (Wed.), 2026.

*Non-hirosaki citizens can choose a different return gift in addition to the special offer.

If there are too many applications, a lottery will be held.

Number of applicants

10 people (Up to 2 people including the donor can apply)

How to apply

After completing the donation, send an e-mail to the Hirosaki City Public Hearing and Public Relations Department's Hometown Attractiveness Promotion Section at furusato@city.hirorsaki.lg.jp with the required information (name of donor, number of people who wish to participate, address, and a request to participate in the Hirosaki Neputa in Kobe 2026).

■Application period

March 19 (Thursday) to April 29 (Wednesday), 2026

Notes

In the event that the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, a drawing will be held to determine the winners.

In the event of a large number of applications, the winners will be determined by lottery.

Please note that we will not contact those who are not selected.

The cost of transportation to and from the venue is the responsibility of the participants.

Participants must be physically fit to pull the 8-meter Neputa.

Details of the Hirosaki Neputa in Kobe 2026 will be decided in late April.

People who will pull the main body of the Hirosaki Neputa

What is the Hirosaki Neputa Festival?

The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is a summer festival in which magnificent and heroic Neputa floats based on warrior pictures from the Sangokushi and Suikoden periods are paraded through the castle town of Hirosaki.

There are various theories as to its origin, but it is said to have originated from a farmer's event called "Nemuri Nagashi," which was held to wash away sleepiness and laziness that hindered busy summer farm work. In 1980, it was designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset. The festival is held from August 1 to August 7 every year.

Hirosaki City Furusato Tax Year-End Thanksgiving Festival is underway.

Hirosaki City is holding a year-end Thanksgiving Festival until March 31, 2026 (Tue.) to express our gratitude for your continued support, and is reviewing the donation amounts for some returned goods. Please take this opportunity to consider making a donation.

Your donation will be used for various projects to support Hirosaki City.

Furusato Tax Thanksgiving Festival at the end of the fiscal year

For more information about Furusato Tax Payment in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, please visit the Hirosaki City website.

https://www.city.hirosaki.aomori.jp/jouhou/seido/hirosakiouenn-hurusato.html