Thursday 31 March 2016

Nejo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2016

Nejo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2016
史跡根城さくら祭り
(Shiseki Nejo Sakura Matsuri)

Free admission to the Hachinohe City Museum and Nejo Plaza historical site.

Date: Sunday May 1, 2016
Time: 9:00-16:00
Location: Nejo Plaza 史跡根城の広場 (map)
Admission: Free

Nejo Plaza 史跡根城の広場
Nejō-47 Nejō (八戸市大字根城字根城47)
Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture 039-1166


More Information:
Hachinohe City Museum (Japanese): http://www.hachinohe.ed.jp/haku/saiji_n_other.html#a2

Hirakawa City Onoe Cherry Blossom & Garden Shrub Festival & Hirafune Shigabou Festival 2016

Two festivals celebrating the natural beauty and parks of Hirakawa City.
Hirakawa City Onoe Cherry Blossom & Garden Shrub Festival 平成28年 平川市おのえ花と植木まつり Hirakawa-Shi Onoe Sakura to Ueki Matsuri Hirafune Shigabou Festival 2016

Hirakawa City Onoe Cherry Blossom & Garden Shrub Festival 2016
平成28年 平川市おのえ花と植木まつり (Hirakawa-Shi Onoe Sakura to Ueki Matsuri)

Date: April 23-May 5, 2016
Time: 9:00-17:00 (lights until 21:00)
Location: Saruka Park 平川市猿賀公園 (map)
(Free Parking ~200 cars)
Admission: Free

Gonohe Spring Festival 2016

Gonohe Spring Festival 2016
五戸春まつり
(Gonohe Haru Matsuri)

Usher in the start of spring with good food, music, dancing, and more.

Gonohe Haru Matsuri Spring Festival 2016 poster 平成28年 五戸春まつり  ポスター

Date: Saturday April 23, 2016
Time: 12:00-15:00
Location: Rekishi Mirai Park Shibafu Hiroba 歴史みらいパーク芝生広場 (map)
(In front of the Gonohe Town Library 五戸町図書館前)
Alternate Venue (in the event of rain): Gonohe Town Kominkan (Community Center) Shou Hall
戸町立公民館小ホール (map)
Admission: Free

Hachinohe Park Spring Festival 2016

Hachinohe Park Spring Festival 2016
はちのへ公園春まつり
(Hachinohe Kouen Haru Matsuri)

Enjoy the cherry blossoms, various performances, food stalls, a flea market, etc. at this Spring Festival.

Date: April 29-May 5, 2016
Time: 9:30-17:00 Location: Hachinohe Park 八戸公園 (map)
Admission: Free

Hachinohe Park 八戸公園
Tenma-33-2 Tōkaichi (八戸市大字十日市字天摩33−2)
Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture 031-0012


More Information:
Aomori Sightseeing News aptinet (Japanese): http://www.aptinet.jp/Detail_display_00001463.html

Hirosaki Art Marche 2016

Hirosaki Art Marche 2016 ひろさきアートマルシェ

Market featuring handmade arts & crafts, etc.

Hirosaki Art Marche 2016 poster 平成28年 ひろさきアートマルシェ  ポスター

Date: April 23, 24, 30 & May 1, 2016
Time: 10:00-15:00
Location: Hirosaki Bunka (Culture Center 弘前文化センター (map)
Admission: Free

Hirosaki Bunka (Culture Center 弘前文化センター
19-4 Shimoshiroganecho (弘前市下白銀町19-4)
Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture 036-8356


More Information:
Aomori Sightseeing News aptinet (Japanese): http://www.aptinet.jp/Detail_display_00005509.html

Kabushima Festival 2016

Kabushima Festival 2016
蕪嶋まつり
(Kabushima Matsuri)

Enjoy various performances as well as the sight of thousands of seagulls flying around during breeding season. (Umbrella recommended.)

(Kabushima Shrine burned down in a fire in the early morning of November 5, 2015. For more information about donating to the reconstruction efforts, please see http://kabushimajinja.com/ (Japanese only).)

Date: April 16-17, 2016
Time: 10:00-15:00
Location: Kabushima Kaihin Park 蕪島海浜公園 (map) Parking: Free (~600 spaces)
Admission: Free

Kabushima Kaihin Park 蕪嶋海浜公園
Samemachi Same 56-2 (八戸市大字鮫町字鮫56−2)
Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture 031-0841


More Information:
Aomori Sightseeing News aptinet (Japanese): http://www.aptinet.jp/Detail_display_00002005.html

Tuesday 29 March 2016

Aomori Spring (Yosakoi) Festival 2016

Aomori Spring Festival 2016
第11回Aomori春フェスティバル
(Aomori Haru Festival)

A yosakoi dance festival in central Aomori during the Golden Week holidays.

Aomori Spring Festival 2016 第11回 Aomori春フェスティバル Aomori City Haru


Date: May 4-5, 2016
Time: May 4: 15:00-18:00, May 5: 9:30-16:30
Locations:
  • Wednesday May 4: Warasse West Plaza ワ・ラッセ西広場 (map)
  • Thursday May 5:
    ・Aomori Station Park 青森駅前公園
    ・Shinmachi Street 新町通り (map)
    ・Shinmachi Cube 新町キューブ
    ・Showa Street 昭和通り (map)
    ・Yanagimachi Street 柳町通り (map)
    ・Passage Hiroba パサージュ広場 (map)
More Information:
Aomori Spring Festival Website (Japanese): http://www.harufes.com/

Friday 25 March 2016

Horyo Kagura Festival 2016

Horyo Kagura Festival 2016 法霊神楽祭

Horyo Kagura Festival 法霊神楽祭
Photo Source: Aomori Sightseeing Guide aptinet
Every year, the Horyo Kagura Festival is held on at the Ogami Shrine in Hachinohe on the second Sunday of May, and the "zenyasai" pre-festival event is the preceding Saturday. Both days feature performances of Horyo Kagura, a sacred shrine song and dance, and prefecturally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.

(For more information about Horyo Kagura, see "Japan Festival & Flower Guide F-pedia.")

Date: May 7-8, 2016
Time: 14:00(?)~
Location: Ogami Shrine, Hachinohe City おがみ神社、八戸市 (map)
Admission: Free


Ogami Shrine おがみ神社
2 Chome-1-51 Uchimaru (八戸市内丸2丁目1-51)
Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture 031-0075


More Information:
Aomori Sightseeing Guide aptinet (Japanese): http://www.aptinet.jp/Detail_display_00005524.html

Thursday 24 March 2016

BRA★BRA FINAL FANTASY BRASS de BRAVO 2016 with Siena Wind Orchestra

BRA★BRA FINAL FANTASY BRASS de BRAVO 2016 with Siena Wind Orchestra
Official Website: Japanese

A fun and interactive performance of music from the Final Fantasy series. For the final song, audience members are invited to come on stage and join the performance. You can bring any non-electrical instrument into the venue with you and even download the sheet music to practice in advance. Feel free to use/bring makeshift instruments or even just clap along!

BRA★BRA FINAL FANTASY BRASS de BRAVO 2016 with Siena Wind Orchestra Aomori poster

Tuesday 22 March 2016

JGSDF Camp Hachinohe 60th Anniversary

JGSDF Camp Hachinohe 60th Anniversary
陸上自衛隊八戸駐屯地創立60周年記念行事

(Rikujoujieitai Hachinohe Chuutonchi Souritsu 60 Shuunen Kinen Gyouji)

Enjoy various events under cherry blossom trees in full bloom at JGSDF (Japan Ground Self-Defense Force) Camp Hachinohe.

JGSDF Camp Hachinohe 60th Anniversary 2016 poster 平成28年 陸上自衛隊八戸駐屯地創立60周年記念行事 ポスター

Tuesday 15 March 2016

Kuroishi Cherry Blossom Festival 2016

Kuroishi Cherry Blossom Festival 2016
第31回 平成28年 黒石さくらまつり
(Kuroishi Sakura Matsuri)

Enjoy eating, drinking, events, night time "light up," and more at Kuroishi's famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms, Azuma Park.

Date: April 23-May 5, 2016
Time: 9:00-20:30 (lights turned off at 21:00)
Location: Kuroishi City Azuma Park 黒石市東公園 (map)
(free parking available)
Admission: Free
Events/Attractions: (tentative)
  • April 23
    • 10:00 Prayer for Safety
    • 10:30 Cherry Blossom Tree Planting
  • April 24
    • 13:00-15:00 School Brass Band Performances
  • April 29
    • 10:00-14:00 Yakiniku (grilled meat) Garden*
      *advance ticket purchase/reservation required
      • 2200yen Yakiniku Set
        (American beef (marinated), Japanese boneless pork short rib (salt marinade), pork sausage - 600g total)
      • 1000yen Yakiniku Grilling Set (only available with purchase of Yakiniku Set)
        (drum can (cut in half to use as a BBQ), 2kg charcoal, BBQ grill, tongs, work gloves, firestarter, uchiwa fan)
  • April 30
    • 11:00 Alice Nursery School Presentations
  • May 3
    • 14:00 Yosakoi Performances
  • May 4
    • 10:00-12:00 Aomori Prefecture Harley Davidson Club

  • Kuroishi City Azuma Park 黒石市東公園
    Sakunoki, 2 Chome, (黒石市柵ノ木2丁目)
    Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture 036-0333


    More Information:
    Kuroishi Tourist Association Website (Japanese): http://kuroishi.or.jp/event/spring/31thsakuramaturi

Tsugaru Shamisen Japan Championship 2016

Tsugaru Shamisen Japan Championship 2016
津軽三味線日本一決定戦
(Tsugaru Jamisen Nihon Ichi Ketteisen)

A free two-day event featuring Tsugaru Shamisen players of all ages competing for the title of "Number One in Japan."
Date: May 3-4, 2016
Time: 9:30~ Location: Linkstation Hall Aomori リンクステーションホール青森 (map)
Admission: Free
Program (Tentative):
   Tuesday May 3 (Constitution Memorial Day)
  • 9:30~ Venue Opens
  • 9:55~17:00 Competiton
    • C Division
    • B Division
    • Senior Division
    • A Group Men's Division
    • A Group Women's Division
  • 17:00-17:30 Award Ceremony
   Wednesday May 4 (Greenery Day Holiday)
  • 9:30~ Venue Opens
  • 10:00~16:00 Competition
    • Junior Division
    • Japan Championship Division (trick playing)
    • Group Division
      • Apple Division
      • Nebuta Division
    • Japan Championship (with vocals)
  • 16:00-16:30 General Comments & Award Ceremony

Linkstation Hall Aomori リンクステーションホール青森
Tsutsumimachi, 1 Chome−4−1 (青森市堤町1丁目4)
Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture 030-0812


More Information:
Tsugaru Shamisen National Convention Website (Japanese): http://www.tsugaru-syamisen.com/japan.html

Friday 11 March 2016

Tsugaru City Melon & Watermelon Festival 2016

Tsugaru City Melon & Watermelon Festival 2016
つがる市メロン・スイカフェスティバル
(Tsugaru-shi Melon Suika Festival)

A festival celebrating Tsugaru City's specialty produce, melons and watermelons. Events include various musical and dance performances, a melon & watermelon weight guessing show, and more.

Date: Thursday August 11, 2016
Time: 9:00-17:00
Location: Tsugaruchikyumura Omatsuri Hiroba つがる地球村 おまつり広場 (map)
Admission: Free
Schedule:
  • 09:00 Sumo Competition Opening Ceremony
  • 10:30 Omatsuri Hiroba Venue Open
  • 10:30 Tsugaruchikyumura BBQ Start
    (Advance Tickets: 2000yen, At-Door Tickets: 2500yen)
  • 10:45 Kizukura High School Brass Band Opening Performance
  • 11:00 Opening Ceremony
  • 11:15 Opening Speeches
  • 11:40 Morita Nursery School Yosakoi Performance
  • 12:00 Yosakoi Chikyuumurakai Performance
  • 13:00 Melon & Watermelon Weight Guessing Show
  • 13:50 Longest Peel Melon Peeling Competition
  • 14:20 Melon & Watermelon Speed Eating Competition
  • 15:10 Suika (Watermelon) Marathon
  • 16:00 Mini Concert (JINK STYLE)
  • 17:00 Closing Speeches

Tsugaruchikyumura つがる地球村
Fujiyama-244 Moritacho Tokomai (つがる市森田町床舞藤山244)
Tsugaru, Aomori Prefecture 038-2817


More Information:
Aomori Sightseeing News aptinet (Japanese): http://www.aptinet.jp/Detail_display_00001798.html

Flying Witch Anime Advance Screening & Cast Talk

Flying Witch Anime Advance Screening & Cast Talk
アニメ「ふらいんぐうぃっち」先行試写&ゆるゆるキャストトーク

(Anime "Flying Witch" Senkou Shisha & Yuru Yuru Cast Talk)


Advance screen and cast talk event for Flying Witch, a new television anime series based on a manga of the same name. It is a slice-of-life comedy about Makoto Kowata, a 15-year-old directionally-challenged and inexperienced witch who can't do much more than fly. She moves in with relatives in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture in order to complete her training.

Date: Sunday April 3, 2016
Time: ①12:00~, ②15:00~ (doors open 30min. in advance)
Location: Hirosaki Bunka (Culture Center 弘前文化センター (map)
Admission: 1800yen (Reserved Seat Tickets)
Advance Ticket Sales: Lawson Ticket/Loppi (Lawson/Mini-Stop) L-Code: 26742 until Friday April 1, 2016, 17:00
Guests (Anime Cast):
  • Minami SHINODA (voice of Makoto Kowata)
    篠田みなみ (木幡真琴役)
  • Mikami SHIORI (voice of Nao Ishiwatari)
    三上枝織 (石渡なお役)
Anime Broadcast Information:
  • NTV Sunday April 10, 2016 2:25am
  • RAB Saturday April 16, 2016 1:27am & 4:30pm
  • Sun TV Thursday April 14, 2016 12:30am
  • BS NTV April 20, 2016 2:30am
Anime Preview 1 (Japanese):


Anime Preview 2 (Japanese):


Manga Information:
Author: Chihiro ISHIZUKA
Publisher: Kodansha (Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine)
Current Volumes: 4
Status: Ongoing


Hirosaki Bunka (Culture Center 弘前文化センター
19-4 Shimoshiroganecho (弘前市下白銀町19-4)
Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture 036-8356


More Information:

Towadako Tourist Center "Puratto" Temporary Closure Notice March 2016

The Towada City Towadako Tourist Center “Puratto” (十和田市十和田湖観光交流センターぷらっと) will be closed for maintenance on Tuesday March 22, 2016.

 Source: The Official Portal of the City of Towada (Japanese)


Towada City Towadako Tourist Center "Puratto"
十和田市十和田湖観光交流センターぷらっと

Towadakohanyasumiya-486 Okuse (十和田市大字奥瀬字十和田湖畔休屋486番地)
Towada, Aomori Prefecture 034-0301


More Information:
About Towadako Tourist Center "Puratto" (Japanese): http://www.city.towada.lg.jp/docs/2014072500014/

Wednesday 9 March 2016

Tsugaru Aomori South Hokkaido Fair in Aspam 2016

Tsugaru Aomori South Hokkaido Fair in Aspam
つがる青森みなみ北海道フェアinアスパム


Event celebrating the impending opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train.
Tsugaru Aomori South Hokkaido Fair in Aspam 2016 flyer front 平成28年 つがる青森みなみ北海道フェアinアスパム チラシ表 Tsugaru Aomori South Hokkaido Fair in Aspam 2016 flyer back 平成28年 つがる青森みなみ北海道フェアinアスパム チラシ裏

Date: March 11-13, 2016
Time: 10:00-16:00
Location: Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center Aspam 青森県観光物産館アスパム (map)
Admission: Free (fee for food/some events)
Events/Attractions:
  • KAZUMI Stage Show
    (Popular Folk Singer from Esashi Town, Hokkaido)
    Friday March 11, 10:30~ & 13:00~
  • Aomori Balloon Group "Nejiringo"
    Free balloon art presents
    Saturday March 12, 10:30~ & 13:00~
  • South Hokkaido PR Corner
    March 11-13, 9:00-18:00
  • Prize Drawing
    Free entry with purchases of 2000yen or more at Aspam during event period
    March 11-13, 9:30-18:00
  • Aomori & Hokkaido Local Food/Product Sales
    • Hakodate Ganso Bus Ramen Salt Ramen
    • Hakodate Shijimi Clam Ramen
    • Hakodate Lucky Pierrot (Burger Chain) Food & Goods
    • Imabetsu Town Inoshishi Wild Boar Frankfurters
    • Aomori Sukayu Onsen Ginger Miso Oden
    • Towada City Barayaki Man Steamed Meat Bun
    • Shichinohe High School Smoked Chicken
    • Hachinohe City Senbei Jiru
    • Etc.
  • & More!
Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center Aspam 青森県観光物産館アスパム
1-1-40 Yasukata (青森市安方1-1-40)
Aomori, Aomori Prefecture 030-0803


More Information:
Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center Aspam Website (Japanese): http://www.aomori-kanko.or.jp/web/event_detail.html?id=00005505

Tsugaru-Nakasato Station Festival 2016

Tsugaru-Nakasato Station Festival
津軽中里「駅ナカ」まつり
(Tsugaru-Nakasato Eki "Eki Naka" Matsuri)

An event celebrating the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train and the start of bus service between the (Shinkansen station) Okutsugaru-Imabetsu Station and Tsugaru-Nakasato Station.
Tsugaru-Nakasato Station Festival 2016 poster 平成28年 津軽中里「駅ナカ」まつり  ポスター Tsugaru-Nakasato Eki "Eki Naka" Matsuri

Date: Saturday March 26, 2016
Time: 10:00-15:00
Admission: Free
Location: Tsugaru Railway Line Tsugaru-Nakasato Station 津軽鉄道線 津軽中里駅 (map)

Towada Civic Center Plaza Playroom Maintenance

The Towada Civic Center Plaza Playroom (十和田市民交流プラザ「トワーレ」のプレールーム) roof will be closed from Wednesday March 23 to Friday March 25 for ceiling maintenance.

Source: The Official Portal of Towada City

Tuesday 8 March 2016

Higashidori Local Performing Art & Food Enjoyment Event 2016

Higashidori Local Performing Art & Food Enjoyment Event 2016
東通の郷土芸能と食を楽しむ会

(Higashidori no Kyoudo Geinou to Shoku wo Tanoshimu Kai)

Enjoy Higashidori Village Noh dances and local cuisine.

Higashidori Local Performing Art & Food Enjoyment Event 2016 poster 平成28年 東通の郷土芸能と食を楽しむ会  ポスター Higashidori no Kyoudo Geinou to Shoku wo Tanoshimu Kai

Date: Sunday March 27, 2016
Time: 11:30~ (doors open 11:00)
Location: Oori Furusato Denshou Kan 大利ふるさと伝承館 (map)
Admission: 2000yen
(First 150 tickets include Higashidori "Orizume" bento box and 1 cup of local special junmai sake "Kisui")

Monday 7 March 2016

Yu no Shima Dogtooth Violet Festival 2016

Yu no Shima Dogtooth Violet Festival 2016
湯の島カタクリ祭り
(Yu no Shima Katakuri Matsuri)

Yu no Shima Island Dogtooth Violet Festival Katakuri Matsuri 浅虫温泉 湯の島カタクリ祭り
(Photo Source: Asamushi Onsen Hotspring Website)
Yu no Shima is an islet near Asamushi Onsen Hot Spring formed six to seven million years ago by volcanic activity. In mid-April it is covered in blooming dogtooth violets. Other sights include Japanese zelkova (elm-like trees) over 400years old, a red Torii (Shinto shrine archway), and a small shrine to Benzaiten. (Information Source: aptinet)

Date: April 2-24, 2016
Time: 9:00-15:00
Location: Yu no Shima 湯の島 (map)
Ferry Cost (round trip, incl. insurance):
  • Adults (Junior High-School Aged Students & Older): 1000yen
  • Elementary School Students: 500yen
  • Infants & Children: Free

Hacchi Media Art Festival Light Play "Hikari Asobi" 2016

Hacchi Media Art Festival Light Play "Hikari Asobi" 2016
はっちヒカリアソビ はっちメディアアートフェスティバル


Art and media festival in Hachinohe Portal Museum Hacchi featuring various exhibits and activities.

Hacchi Media Art Festival Light Play "Hikari Asobi" 2016 Hachinohe 八戸市 平成28年 はっちヒカリアソビ はっちメディアアートフェスティバル

Date: March 1-21, 2016
Time: 9:00-21:00
Location: Hachinohe Portal Museum Hacchi 八戸ポータルミュージアムはっち (map)
Admission: Free

Japan Media Arts Festival Aomori Exhibit Into the Phantom Villages

Japan Media Arts Festival Aomori Exhibit Into the Phantom Villages
文化庁メディア芸術祭青森展 まぼろし村と、あなたとわたし

(Bunkacho Media Geijutsu-sai Maboroshi Mura to Anata to Watashi)
Event Flyer (Japanese), Website (Japanese)

Art. Entertainment. Manga. Media. A collection of 80 works from Japanese and world artists.
Japan Media Arts Festival Aomori Exhibit Into the Phantom Villages poster Aomori Museum of Art 青森県立美術館 文化庁メディア芸術祭青森展 まぼろし村と、あなたとわたし  ポスター

Date: March 12-27, 2016
Time: 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Location: Aomori Museum of Art 青森県立美術館 (map)
Admission: Free

Friday 4 March 2016

Bankoku Horafuki Tall Tales Contest 2016

Bankoku Horafuki Tall Tales Contest 2016
第21回 万国ホラ吹き大会 仙人の道
(Bankoku Horafuki Taikai Sennin no Michi)

In Owani Town, there is a saying, "You can't talk big until you've seen the Ishi no Tou*.

*Note: Ishi no Tou is a gigantic 24m-tall, 74m-circumference natural stone formation at the border of Owani Town (Aomori Prefecture) and Akita Prefecture.*
Owani Town Ishi no Tou 大鰐町 石の塔
"Ishi no Tou" (Source: Owani Town Website)
Based on this local proverb, the event starts with climbing the Ishi no Tou to receive a "bragging rights license" (small wooden plaque). Afterward at the competition venue, the contestants have five minutes to tell fantastic stories, wild tales, etc. to make the audience laugh and to compete for the title of best teller of tall tales.

Date: Saturday June 4, 2016
Time: 9:00-16:00 (Bus to Ishi no Tou leaves Owani Station at 8:00)
Location(s):
  • Ishi no Tou 石の塔 (map)
  • Owani Town Chiiki Kouryuu Center WaniCome 大鰐町地域交流センター鰐Come (map)
Admission: 1500yen

Craft Fair Tsugaru Mori 2016

Craft Fair Tsugaru Mori 2016 津軽森
Official Website (Japanese): http://tsugarumori.com/

A craft fair featuring works of clay, glass, wood, weaving, metal, leather, lacquer, &etc. from all over Japan.
Craft Fair Tsugaru Mori 2016 津軽森 弘前市 Hirosaki City

Date: May 28-29, 2016 (Rain or Shine)
Time: May 28: 10:00-17:00, May 29: 9:00-17:00
Location: Iwaki-san Sakurabayashi Park 岩木山桜林公園 (map)
Admission: Free


Iwaki-san Sakurabayashi Park 岩木山桜林公園
Higashiiwakisan-3168 Hyakuzawa (弘前市大字百沢字東岩木山3168)
Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture 036-1343


More Information:
Tsugaru Mori Website (Japanese): http://tsugarumori.com/

Hirosaki Apple Blossom Festival 2016

Hirosaki Apple Blossom Festival 2016
弘前りんご花まつり
(Hirosaki Ringo Hana Matsuri)

Enjoy the sight of apple blossoms blooming with snow-capped Mount Iwaki in the background.

Hirosaki Apple Blossom Festival 2016 poster 平成28年 弘前りんご花まつり ポスターRingo Hana Matsuri

Date: May 6-15, 2016
Time: 10:00-21:00
Location: Hirosaki Apple Park 弘前りんご公園 (map)
Admission: Free (some paid events)

Tsugaru Shamisen World Championships 2016

35th Annual Tsugaru Shamisen World Championships 2016
2016 第35回記念 津軽三味線世界大会
(Tsugaru-Jamisen Sekai Taikai)

A 2-day competition celebrating Aomori's traditional folk music, Tsugaru Shamisen (also known as Tsugaru-jamisen).

Date: May 3-4, 2016
Time: 10:00~ (doors open 9:00)
Location: Hirosaki Shimin Kaikan 弘前市民会館 (map)
Admission: 1-Day Ticket: 2000yen, 2-Day Ticket: 3500yen
Schedule (Tentative):

Wednesday May 3
  • ジュニアC級 Junior C-Class
  • シニアC級 Senior C-Class
  • 団体戦各グループ Group
  • ミドルC級 Middle C-Class
  • ユースC級 Youth C-Class
Thursday May 4
  • 個人B級 Individual B-Class
  • 唄付け伴奏 Song (Vocal) & Musical Accompaniment
  • 女性A級 Women's A-Class
  • 男性A級 Men's A-Class
  • アトラクション "Attraction" (Guest Performance)

Hirosaki Shimin Kaikan 弘前市民会館
1-6 Shimoshiroganecho (弘前市下白銀町1-6)
Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture 036-8356


More Information:
Tsugaru Shamisen Network Japan (Japanese): http://www.21tsnj.jp/

Thursday 3 March 2016

Empty-Handed Cherry Blossom Viewing Party 2016

Empty-Handed Cherry Blossom Viewing Party 2016
手ぶらで 観桜会
(Tebura de Kanoukai)
Website (Japanese): http://sakura.hirosakipark.jp/

Enjoy a no-preparation-required cherry blossom viewing party in Hirosaki Park: picnic blankets, lunch, drinks, Neputa music performances and clean-up are all provided for you! (Reservations required.)

Date: April 23-May 3, 2016
Time: 12:00-13:30
Location: Hirosaki Park Picnic Area 弘前公園 ピクニック広場 (map)
Cost:
  • 通常コース Normal Course
    • Special bento lunch using local seasonal ingredients
    • 10,000yen / person (12,000yen / person for groups of 2-3 people)
    • Reservations starting from 2 people, max. 20 people (daily)
  • 極コース Kiwami Course
    • Two-tiered Tsugaru lacquer bento box lunch using specially selected local ingredients
    • 25,000yen / person
    • Reservations starting from 2 people, max. 10 people (daily)

Authentic Tsugaru Folk Song National Competition 2016

5th Annual Authentic Tsugaru Folk Song National Competition 2016
第5回本場津軽民謡全国大会
(Honba Tsugaru Minyou Zenkoku Taikai)

National Tsugaru folk song competition in Kuroishi, the birthplace of Tsugaru Jongara Bushi.

Date: Sunday May 1, 2016
Time: 9:20~ (doors open 9:00)
Location: Yokomachi Hiroba 横町広場 屋外特設ステージ (map)
Admission: Free

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2016

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2016
弘前さくらまつり2016 (Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri)
Official Website (Japanese): http://www.hirosakipark.jp/sakura/

Hirosaki Park is of Japan's most beautiful spots for sakura (cherry blossom) viewing.
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2016 poster 平成28年 弘前さくらまつり ポスター Sakura Matsuri Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2016 Flying Witch collaboration poster 平成28年 弘前さくらまつり ふらいんぐうぃっち ポスター Sakura Matsuri

Date: April 23 - May 5, 2016
Location: Hirosaki Park (弘前公園) (map)
Admission: Free and Paid Zones

Wednesday 2 March 2016

Aomori Masakari (Shimokita) Peninsula Photo Contest 2016

Aomori Masakari (Shimokita) Peninsula Photo Contest 2016
青森まさかり半島フォトコンテスト
(Aomori Masakari Hantou Photo Contest)

Submission call for photographs that promote Shimokita by showing its charms and giving viewers a sense of the beauty of its four seasons.

Aomori Masakari (Shimokita) Peninsula Photo Contest 2016 poster 平成28年 下北 青森まさかり半島フォトコンテスト ポスター
Contest Details
  • Theme: Photos that promote Shimokita as a geopark, or promote tourism to municipalities by showing its local charms and giving viewers a sense of the beauty of the seasons.
  • Contest Sponsor/Judge:Shimokita Kankou Kyogi Kai (Shimokita Tourism Convention)
  • Contest Awards & Prizes
    • Special Prize (1): 100,000 yen in Travel Vouchers + Certificate
    • Special Prize Runners-Up (2): 50,000 yen in Travel Vouchers + Certificate
    • Prize Selection (10): Shimokita Specialty Products (~10,000 yen value) + Certificate
      (Includes one selection from each municipality)

Towada Spring Festival 2016

Towada Spring Festival 2016
十和田市春まつり (Towada-Shi Haru Matsuri)

Enjoy various events such as yosakoi dance and koto performances under cherry blossom trees in full bloom.
Towada Spring Festival 2016 poster Towada-Shi Haru Matsuri 平成28年 十和田市春まつり  ポスター

Date: April 20 - May 5, 2016
Locations:Various
Admission: Free

Tuesday 1 March 2016

Aomori Museum of Art Re-Opening

The Aomori Museum of Art will re-open on Saturday March 12, 2016.

(It was closed from September 14, 2015 for ceiling reinforcement work in order to comply with the national "Ceiling Fallout Prevention Measures Standard Amendment.")

More Information:
Aomori Museum of Art Website (Japanese, English, Russian, Simplified & Traditional Chinese): http://www.aomori-museum.jp

Hirosaki Park Photo Contest 2016

Hirosaki Park Photo Contest 2016
弘前公園写真コンテスト
(Hirosaki Kouen Shashin Contest)

Submission call for photographs that make people want to visit Hirosaki Park.

Hirosaki Park Photo Contest 2016 poster Hirosaki Kouen Shashin Contest 平成28年 弘前公園写真コンテスト ポスター

Contest Details
  • Theme: Photos that show the beauty of Hirosaki Park's four seasons, the smiles of visitors, the splendour of Hirosaki Park, etc. and make people want to visit Hirosaki Park and/or to experience the atmosphere of that place & time.
  • Contest Sponsor/Judge: Canon Precision Inc.
  • Contest Awards & Prizes
    • Special Prize (Canon Precision Award) (1): 20,000yen + Canon Single Lens Reflex Camera + Certificate
    • Prize Selection (2): 10,000yen + Certificate
    • Honourable Mention (7): 3,000yen + Certificate

New Sake Drinking Party 2016

New Sake Drinking Party 2016
新酒の会「酒宴」
(Shinshu no Kai Shuen)

Start off spring with all-you-can-drink local sake and buffet style hors d'oeuvres.
Ajigasawa Town New Sake Drinking Party 2016 poster Shinshu no Kai Shuen 鰺ヶ沢町 平成28年 新酒の会「酒宴」 ポスター

Date: Saturday March 12, 2016
Time: 18:00~
Location: Ajigasawa Town Maito Community Center Dai Hall
鰺ヶ沢町 舞戸公民館 大ホール (map)
Admission: 3000yen
(Includes all-you-can-drink local sake and buffet style hors d'oeuvres made using local ingredients. Food quantities limited. Non-sake beverages (beer, juice, etc.) available--purchase required.)