Statues of the Namahage located in Oga Peninsula. | Photo by PhotoAC
Steeped in tradition, Tohoku (東北), the northeastern part of Japan comprising of six prefectures – Aomori (青森), Akita (秋田), Iwate (岩手), Miyagi (宮城), Yamagata (山形) and Fukushima (福島), presents a wealth of authentic cultural encounters and hidden gems beckoning for exploration. Within its borders lie ancient traditions cherished for centuries, with every prefecture preserving its unique allure and showcasing cultural icons and artisanal crafts that narrate the region’s rich history.
In this article, we will get a glimpse of Tohoku’s rich tradition by delving into the distinctive cultural emblem defining each prefecture.
Aomori Prefecture: Nebuta (ねぶた)
Nebuta, large illuminated paper lantern floats, often depicting historical and mythical characters. | Photo by Adobe Stock
Beginning with the northernmost part of the main island of Honshu bordered by the Sea of Japan in the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the Tsugaru Strait to the north, Aomori Prefecture (青森県) is renowned for hosting one of Tohoku’s three great traditional festivals in the peak of summer, the Nebuta Matsuri (ねぶた祭り).
At the heart of the festival are the enormous, illuminated paper lantern floats known as Nebuta (ねぶた) in eastern Aomori or Neputa (ねぷた) in the western part, particularly in the Tsugaru Region. The approximately two dozen floats featured in the festival are customarily crafted over the span of a year by local teams, meticulously assembling painted washi paper onto wire frames to bring them to life. These Nebuta floats can reach dimensions of up to 9m in width and 5m in height, frequently portraying deities, legendary warlords, kabuki characters, and figures from both Japanese and Chinese folklore, history, and mythology.
Between 2–7 August, the floats are brought out onto the streets of downtown Aomori for the parade (except for the final day when the parade takes place in the afternoon), accompanied by Haneto (ハネト) dancers dancing to the captivating music of the Nebuta bayashi (ねぶた囃子) bands. Audience participation is highly encouraged, so don your traditional haneto costume and join in for a night you’ll never forget!
Akita Prefecture: Namahage (なまはげ)
Locals putting on Namahage masks and performing a dance ritual during the Namahage Sedo Festival. | Photo by Adobe Stock
Just south of Aomori lies Akita Prefecture (秋田県), where the Namahage (なまはげ), a demon-like deity believed to dwell in the densely covered mountains on the Oga Peninsula (男鹿半島), roams. Emerging from an ancient tradition dating back hundreds of years, when people’s livelihoods were intricately tied to the land and weather, Namahage was revered through festivals in hopes of fostering bountiful harvests, warding off misfortune, and ushering in good luck.
Originally a ritual dedicated solely to the purpose of worship, Namahage has evolved into a cherished folklore event in recent times. Every New Year’s Eve, locals cloaked in knitted straw garments known as kede (ケデ) will don horrifying Namahage masks unique to their districts, and go around neighborhoods visiting homes while posing questions such as, “Are there any misbehaving children?” This is an intimidating ritual rooted in the desire for children to excel academically, to thrive in society, and to find happiness in the years ahead.
For those seeking more Namahage action, the Namahage Sedo Matsuri (なまはげ柴灯祭り) awaits. Held on the second Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of February, this festival showcases the Namahage ascending the mountain with torches in their hands, and fiery illumination piercing through the darkness, casting a mystical ambience against the backdrop of pristine white snow — a fantastical scene you’ll not want to miss!
Iwate Prefecture: Nambu Tekki Ironware (南部鉄器)
Elegantly designed and highly functional, the Nambu Tekki ironware is a traditional Japanese craft that showcases the unmatched skills of Japanese craftsmen since 400 years ago. | Photo by PhotoAC
Situated on the eastern coast, Iwate Prefecture (岩手県) is home to a 400-year-old traditional craft known as Nambu Tekki ironware (南部鉄器), with its origins lying in the art of metal casting. Crafted in cities of Morioka (盛岡市) and Oshu (奥州市), the Nambu Tekki ironware first saw its early form in Morioka, which was known for its abundance of iron resources, rendering it to be the perfect hub for such metal crafting.
Simultaneously, as the Japanese tea ceremony (茶道 Sado) gained popularity, the feudal lord of the Morioka domain took the initiative to invite craftsmen from Kyoto and Yamanashi with aims of constructing kettles within the castle town. These initiatives fueled the swift advancement of the craft, during which the emergence of a compact iron kettle design, featuring a spout and handle came to be the prototype for the Nambu Tekki iron kettles of recent times. Such is the reverence for this traditional craft — it is not only thought to impart a smooth and mellow taste to boiled water but is also believed to confer health benefits, including the prevention of anemia and high blood pressure.
If meticulously taken care of, these robust ironwares can endure for multiple generations, serving as lasting symbols of craftsmanship and tradition. With its blend of functionality and elegance, a Nambu Tekki iron kettle makes for the perfect souvenir to savour Japanese tea in style.
Miyagi Prefecture: Kokeshi Dolls (こけし人形)
Kokeshi dolls, known for their cylindrical bodies, lack of limbs, and use of bold paints. | Photo by Adobe Stock
Moving southward, you’ll encounter some familiar dolls in the prefecture of Miyagi (宮城県). These wooden dolls, distinguished by their cylindrical bodies, rounded heads and colorful designs, are famously known as Kokeshi dolls (こけし人形 Kokeshi ningyo). While Miyagi is credited as the birthplace of Kokeshi dolls, these charming figures can be found across various regions of Tohoku, each imbued with unique variations and styles.
With roots dating back to the Edo Period, these dolls transcend mere playthings, symbolising the exquisite craftsmanship of Japanese woodwork. Initially crafted as souvenirs for travelers frequenting Tohoku, the land of hot springs, the dolls’ designs often mirrored the characteristics of the local hot spring where they were sold.
Common features of these dolls include the lack of limbs, vibrant colours, and the distinctive artistic style of their creators, serving as visual markers of their regional origins. Adorned with popular patterns such as flowers and bold accents, these dolls showcase unique expressions, each one individually crafted. To preserve the intricate designs over time, a layer of wax is commonly applied towards the end of the production process.
Over time, Kokeshi dolls evolved beyond mere children's toys, transcending into symbols of hope for bountiful harvests and charms for prayers for good luck and fortune. Culturally distinctive and meticulously handcrafted, these dolls make exquisite gifts or charming ornaments for home decor.
Yamagata Prefecture: Otaka Poppo (お鷹ポッポ)
The Otaka Poppo, a traditional folk toy made using the Sasano Ittobori technique, featuring impressive details and fine knifework. | Photo by PhotoAC
Lying right next to Miyagi is another prefecture known for its own take on folk toys. The Otaka Poppo (お鷹ポッポ), which translates to “toy hawk” in the Ainu language, is a folk toy that originates from the Sasano (笹野) area of Yonezawa City (米沢市) in the Yamagata Prefecture (山形県).
With a history spanning over a thousand years, the craft of creating Otaka Poppo, known as the Sasano Single Blade Carving (笹野一刀彫 Sasano Ittobori), is believed to have been first conceived as an auspicious act of worship by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro (坂ノ上田村麻呂), a warrior from the Heian Period. Today, the Otaka Poppo continues to stand as the hallmark creation produced using this technique.
Due to the historical association of hawks with Uesugi Yozan, a notable feudal lord remembered for his prosperous financial reforms, hawk-shaped products were regarded as auspicious charms capable of bringing prosperity and bountiful harvests to farmers. With the sarukiri (サルキリ), a special knife, in hand, craftsmen meticulously carve the Otaka Poppo from a single piece of Koshiabura (コシアブラ), one of the most durable trees.
Each bold cut exudes elegance and affection while delicately capturing the soft, lifelike feathers of the hawk, reflecting the remarkable precision and skill of the craftsmen. You too can try your hand at painting your very own Otaka Poppo and bring home this charming symbol of happiness!
Fukushima Prefecture: Akabeko (赤べこ)
A folk toy originating from a local legend, the Akabeko is a charm that is believed to bring about good fortune and health. | Photo by PhotoAC
Nestled in the southernmost reaches of the Tohoku Region, Fukushima Prefecture (福島県) boasts a delightful folk toy symbolising the Aizu Region (会津): the Akabeko (赤べこ). This Aizu Hariko (張り子 paper-mache), portraying a crimson-red cow, is meticulously crafted from wood and washi paper.
Fashioned since the 16th century, the Akabeko is steeped in a local legend tied to the reconstruction of Enzoji Temple (円蔵寺). Legend has it that following a devastating earthquake in the region, locals encountered challenges transporting timber and supplies upstream of the Tadami River (只見川), where the temple was situated. In their time of need, a herd of red cattle, or akabeko, reportedly emerged, lending assistance and facilitating the successful reconstruction of the temple.
Ever since, this folk craft representing the Akabeko, which brought aid in times of need, has been cherished by the locals of Fukushima. Believed to have protected children from smallpox in the 16th century, the circles painted on the Akabeko's sides are said to symbolise pockmarks from smallpox, while the colour red, associated with good health, was believed to offer protection against illnesses.
Renowned for its endearing wobbly head and charming appearance, this folk craft makes for an adorable souvenir to bring home, embodying the rich tradition of fine craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of the Aizu region's history and folklore.
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As you explore the rich tapestry of Tohoku's cultural icons, from the magnificent Nebuta Matsuri of Aomori to the intricate craftsmanship of the Akabeko in Fukushima, it becomes evident that each embodies not just tradition but also resilience, creativity, and a profound connection to the land and its people. So the next time you journey through Tohoku, immerse yourself in its rich heritage, and perhaps even take home a piece of its history to cherish—a reminder of the enduring spirit and beauty of Japan's northeastern gem.
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