Latest Events in Hirosaki(May Updated)

The fireworks display was held at Iwaki Riverside Sports Park in Akuto-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, marking the arrival of summer in the ancient capital of Hirosaki. About 25,000 spectators came to watch as about 10,000 fireworks of various sizes, including No. 5 and No. 10 (130 cm) fireworks and starlight fireworks, were launched into the sky.

This is the most representative festival in Aomori City in summer. It is well-known among festivals across Japan and attracts many tourists. The protagonist of the festival is a large human-shaped lantern called "Sleeping Demon", which is 9 meters wide, 7 meters deep and 5 meters high. These human-shaped lanterns are mostly works of art based on military commanders, historical stories or Kabuki performances during the Warring States Period. They are colorful and shocking. The "Sleeping Demon" and the exciting accompaniment band (Sleeping Demon Hayashi) and festival dancers "Jiaoren" will march together along the parade route in Aomori City.

How are we born into this world, and what is our purpose in life? In today's world, conflicts and divisions caused by fear of others we do not understand never end, from wars to familiar conflicts. Our actions, such as traveling, meeting different people, and talking to people with different views, are a way to bridge these divisions and make each of us happy, and perhaps this is the meaning of being born into this world. The exhibition will feature works by artists active around the world, including works from the Taguchi Art Collection, one of Japan's leading contemporary art collections, and works from the Hirosaki Brick Warehouse Art Museum. Mika Rottenberg opens the door to another world from a familiar space, Tuan Andrew Nguyen combines disturbing history with the image of a poetic journey, Rock Cafe and Nara give a glimpse into the history of Hirosaki, and there are works by Mari Katayama. Chiharu Shiota, who faces the world through her own body, is also the title of this exhibition, which will feature paintings, photos, videos and talks, including Akira Takayama's projects in the city, and this exhibition attempts to think about expressing life and happiness through various works such as performances.

The "Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival" began in 1977 (Showa 52) and is now considered one of the "Five Great Snow Festivals of Mutsu". During the festival, snow lanterns inlaid with samurai paintings created by citizens and organizations are lined up in Hirosaki Park, and about 200 miniature kamakura are built around the lotus pond that can be seen from the main maru. At night, the lanterns and kamakura are lit, illuminating the snow park with special lighting. In addition, large snow sculptures and a large slide will be made at the main venue, and a grand event will be held to enjoy Hirosaki's winter while getting familiar with the snow.