A Candle Night With Folklore Music, BelleVientos, at Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo

A Candle Night for 1,000,000 People (100万人のキャンドルナイト) is an event to raise the awareness for energy conservation. It is held twice a year on the day of summer solstice and winter solstice.

Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo is a hotel which has been participating in this nationwide project for a few times now. On December 22, they held the event while entertaining guests in a concert by Akita’s local folklore music group, BelleVientos.

The candles were made of recycled materials.
 The snow monument was created for this event outside the building (top left).

At 8:00 pm, the hotel staffs lowered the lighting to the minimum, and the guests gathered at the lobby for the music. The candle lighting was just enough to show the silhouette of the musicians, so the audience were relaxed and focused on the beautiful sounds of music. The band members held a number of unfamiliar Latin American instruments and explained them in between the songs.

The songs wildly varied in genre of Latin American folklore music; however, the band also characterizes its music as a fusion with our Akita’s local culture. In the end, they performed a few songs that themed in the Legend of Three Lakes! The melodies layered by flutes and pipes created such a mystic atmosphere. With the beautiful lyrics, it told stories that touched our hearts.



BelleVientos



For the unique style, the band has been invited to play all over Tohoku. Mr. 'Armando' Yamahira said, “Actually, we’ve been coming to Tazawako quite a few times lately. Also, we have been working on a musical play themed in Kunimasu, which I believe will be ready to be shown next year or so.”

BelleVientos is a group that Mr. Yamahira formed with students of Akita University in Akita City. There are more than 40 members in total, and the musicians present there were chosen to be on a short performing trip to Tazawako on this day and Iwate on the following day.

As we talked with the students, we were surprised to find out that most of them did not start such folklore instruments until the college. But they are all skillful and talented – more than anything, they are passionate and it is exuding with overflowing joy of playing music!

Even at the after party, when Mr. Yamahira casually started to play, one by one, the others just joined the leader – in a second, solo becomes ensemble and it went on like a real concert!

You can catch the band around Akita Prefecture. Check their schedule and locations.

Spreading the Smiles from Akita! Tourism Promotion Event in Akita City

Over the weekend on June 9 and 10th, there was a tourism event at AEON Mall in Akita City. Organized by Akita Tourism Federation, many tourism associations in Akita Prefectures had joined together at this event in an effort to inspire and encourage Akita residents to travel.

A Tourism Event at AEON Mall Akita on July 9 & 10

The main attraction of the event was a performance of Donpanbushi dance from Daisen City. Donpanbushi is perhaps one of the most known minyo (folk song) dances of Japan. People might not know how to dance to it, but they will probably recognize the song. The dancers group performed the most common version, original version, and the latest rock version.

At the site, there were three mascot characters from different cities in Akita Prefecture: Sugicchi, Tanpo-komachi-chan, and our Tazawako’s character, Takko-chan! Also, two Namahage were there to scare children that was welcomed and rather enjoyed by the accompanying parents, because the tradition has a meaning to teach children to behave and listen to their parents.

Takko-chan is by far the most popular for children! There were many children who came running to hug her. There were a few who wouldn’t let her go!

 

Takkochan making many friends...

The event is also a part of the government campaign called “Nippon-no-Egao, Akita-kara” – Smiles of Japan, (Spreading)From Akita. The photos of smiles were photographed and later they will be posted on the campaign website.

At our booth, we gave away 200 coupons (such as free bathing at onsen, free coffee, discount on onsen) as well as flyers of the upcoming local festiva, Tazawako Festival. We hope many more people will visit Tazawako!

Video Screenings of Kagura (Shinto Theatrical Dance) and Think About the Spirit of Tohoku!

Kagura （神楽）is a type of theatrical dance dedicated to Shinto gods. A small video screening event will be held in Kakunodate Town and Akita City, in which an Anthropologist of Art from a prestigious Art University in Tokyo will be presenting videos of Kagura collected in more than 50 places of Japan.

This year at this event, Mr. Mikami will be sharing stories on the endangered performing arts tradition in Sanriku area, Iwate Prefecture, as well as some suggestive insights into Tohoku’s recovery addressing how to make the best use of the Spirits of Tohoku (Tohoku-no-Tamashii) as is seen in the fundamental cultures of folklore and performing arts tradition in the Tohoku region.

The Presenter, Mr. Mikami

A scene from last year...

The facilitator hopes that this opportunity will bring people together to think about the community development and reconstruction of Tohoku!

Although both events will be held in Japanse, if you are interested in traditional performing arts in Japan, it might be a great opportunity to discover new inspirations!

Kakunodate Town Event

At 19:00 on June 18th, 2011.
At the Fujieda Residence (藤枝邸 別邸)

Cover: 1,500 yen (Including 1 drink)

Akita City Event

At 19:00 on June 19th, 2011.

At Akiko Umae Chaya (あきこうまえ茶屋)

TEL 018-864-9100

INQUIRY: kaguravjakita@excite.co.jp

Jazz Venues at Lake Tazawa (Restaurant ORAE and Pension Sounds Good!)

Lake Tazawa has a few casual jazz venues like Restaurant ORAE and Pension Sounds Good!

Restaurant ORAE regularly hosts jazz event with a dinner. Recently, a fundraising event for the Tohoku earthquake victims are being held every Sunday from 12pm to 14pm. The event is organized by a local musical group called Circle ADLIB. This fundraising is aimed for a sustainable support to the earthquake victims. The entrance is FREE; just donate your "one-coin (or two)" in a box when you have lunch at the restaurant.

A member of Circle ADLIB owns another venue called Pension Sounds Good! at Lake Tazawa. Besides One-Coin Fundraising event, they regularly host jazz event at the inn/café.

The owner of Pension Sounds Good! also engage himself in music, so that he is enthusiastic in promoting local music scene in events such as Tazawako Lakeside Jazz. The tickets are about 4,000 yen (presale) and 4,500 yen (at the door). And the door opens at 17p.m. and the music starts at 19:00. The inn welcomes you with an affordable 1-night / two-meals plan from 7,000yen.

Next Tazawako Lakeside Jazz event will be held on Sunday, May 15th with Kanji Ota and a few others. It is a monthly event. Refer to our event calender page for other days.



Kanji Ota will be the guest for May 15 event.



Sashimaki Mizubasho 2011 (Access/ Food / Souvenirs)

Sashimaki Mizubasho Festival 2011

has started on April 16th and continues till May 5th.

Click Here to Read More on Mizubasho Festival 

Access:

DRIVE – Route 46 in between Tazawako and Kakunodate Station. If you are driving eastbound from Kakunodate Area, the colony will be found on your right hand side before JR Sashimaki Station. Parking capacity is 70 cars and free of charge.

WALK -- 15 minutes walk from the nearby JR Sashimaki Station. When you exit the station, make an immediate left. Just follow the event signs and continue walking on the paved way. You may find some wild cherry blossoms and Mizubasho flowers as well, but  you are not there yet; continue until you get to the event site.

BUS – The bus lines connect JR Stations (Tazawako, Sashimaki, and Kakunodate). See the time-table below (left corner) on the flyer.

JR TRAINS – Take a local train on JR Tazawako Line; Shinkansen Express do not make a stop at Sashimaki Station. See the time-table below.

 

Local Food / Souvenirs:

Traditional Cuisine – Yama-no-imo Nabe (Hot Pot with balls of grated yam), Miso-Tanpo, Iwana (Japanese Char), Tama-Konnyaku, Oden, etc.

Other Local Specialties – Pickled Vegetables (Iburi-gakko, Eggplants, etc), Fresh Sansai (Wild Delicacies), Home-baked Oyaki (rice cake), Buckwheat Flour, Rice, Snacks, and Sweets, etc.

Other Souvenirs-- Iwana-sushi (Pressed Sushi with Japanese Char), Dorei (Pained Clay Bells), Liquors, Woodcrafts Goods, Tazawako Beer (Bottled Craft Beer), ORAE's Sausage with Alpine Leek, Nijinobuta Sausages and Pork on skewers, Rice-flour Taiyaki (fish-shaped pancake with sweet bean paste inside),Tagosaku Senbei, etc.

(Clockwise) Oyaki, ORAE's Sausages, Snacks,Yama-no-imo Nabe, Rice-flour Taiyaki,

Tazawako Beer (Sakura-kobo Beer), Miso-Tanpo, Woodcrafts, Dorei (Clay Bells).

Fireworks at Tazawako Snow Festival 2011

When you ask us what would be the best feature of Tazawako Snow Festival, firework show is probably the first thing to come to our mind. It is designed by award-winning firework craftsmen from Omagari City, which is known as the mecca of fireworks in Japan. It seems that the cold, clear winter sky makes the fireworks even more beautiful!

Firework show followed after the exciting fire-ring show by professional performing group.

This year the fireworks was the best ever! Fish-themed fireworks were shown to celebrate the discovery of kunimasu, which is still a hot topic in Tazawako! Its beauty is really hard to capture in pictures or videos, but we hope you enjoy!

Butt-Sliding Contest 2011 at Tazawako Snow Festival

Tazawako Kogen Snow Festival was held on February 18th- 20th, 2011. The newest highlight of the event is Kecchi-zori Taikai (“Butt-sliding Contest”), in which participants use plastic bags of fertilizers to slide down the courses. This event has just initiated last year for a trial and has come back on the event line-up after reputation of so much entertainment!

The contest had two categories: downhill and slalom. Special courses are designed for this contest on the steepest slope at Tazawako Ski Area. In the form of downhill (Day 1), racers do not make any turns and try to maintain the highest speed as sliding down the hill.

Downhill on Day 1

On the other hand, the slalom (Day 2) requires turns in between poles. This one is more about the technique to shift your balance, so you wouldn’t stop in the middle of the course.

Slalom on Day 2 : Groups of Taiwanese TV company GTV joined us!

The rules are 1) to use the provided fertilizer bag under your bottom; 2) no waxing agent allowed ; and 3) have only a single “run”.

The contest has been named “international,” hoping that would invite participants from other countries and make it an opportunity for all the people to meet. This year, on our second try, we welcomed participants from Germany and Taiwan! Arigato, Dankeschön, and 謝謝 (xie xie) to you all!

Although it was only the second year, the good reputation of the contest has been catching attentions from international media! Taiwanese TV crew joined us for  a documentary travel program on broadcasting company (GTV) !

The kecchizori racers ( "zorist" ) came from far: Iwate, Tokyo, Kobe, and Okinawa!

Outstanding zorist individuals and groups were awarded with Y160, 000-worth rice coupons, hotel tickets, restaurant meal tickets, boxes of candies, and many other prizes. With all generous corporations from the local business, everyone was given at least one prize!

The ceremony was full of laughter and cheers! What makes this contest most unique is the welcoming atmosphere! All the people are there to have fun. Who would participate in a butt-sliding contest, if he or she didn’t know how to have fun!?

Kakunodate's New Year Festival: Hiburi-Kamakura

Hiburi Kamakura （火振りかまくら）is a traditional New Year’s event held in Kakunodate area, which has been held to wish gokoku-hojo (五穀豊穣; “prosperity of five grains”), mubyo-sokusai (無病息災; “avoidance of diseases”), and kanai-anzen (家内安全; “family safety”).

Hiburi-kamakura in Kakunodate Town

The event starts with making a fire with firewoods in a snow fort. There is also a Shinto ceremony to burn the New Year’s decorations like shimekazari and daruma, to wish the safety on the year.

The featuring event, hiburi is in which people light a tenpitsu（天筆）a bundle of rice ears and swing around the body. The fire rings are bright and illuminates the snow-covered park. Very beautiful!

Hiburi Kamakura is held on February 13th and 14th. On the 13th the event is held in Sakura-namiki chushajo (parking area) on the Hinokinai River. The park is illuminated with candles and surrounded by food tents. On the 14th, it is held in different locations in town.

For more information, please inquire Kakunodate Tourist Information Center.

Hear the Southern Folk Singing in Akita

While Semboku City is known as a treasure trove for minyo, a type of traditional accompanied singing in northern Japan, the Amami Island is noted as a counterpart in the southern region of Japan.

Shima-uta is a type of folksong traditionally sang in the Amami Islands (奄美群島） in Kagoshima Prefecture. Two prominent shima-uta singers are coming to Semboku City for a performance. It is a rare chance for the people in the north to hear authentic shima-uta singing.

Amami no Shima-Uta

Where: Semboku Shimin Kaikan (Civic Hall)
When: Sunday, January 16th, 2011.
Tickets: 1,200 yen / 1,000 yen (Pre-Sale)

Tickets available at following stores:
Book-in 105

Yamazaki Daily Store in Kakunodate, Jindai, Tazawako

Semboku City Government Offices

Civic Hall

The headliners are two prominent shima-uta singers:

Tsukiji Shunzo (築地俊造）

Born in 1934. Awarded as #1 minyo singer in 1979 and introduced shima-uta to the outside world. He has been invited to perform in France and USA at occasions organized by the Smithsonian institution, City of Seatle and so on. He has been a key figure in promoting shima-uta.

RIKKI

Born 1975. Her first stage performance was at age 4. The youngest person to be awarded Japan Minyo Grand Prize at age 15. Since her debut in 1993, she has been performing internationally in France and Romania and receiving a great review. In her most recent works, she has been credited on Image Album for Spirited Away (of Hayao Miyazaki) and most notably, for the main theme song for Final Fantasy X, “sutekidane”.

Other performers include:

Hiroaki Sugawara 菅原弘明 (Guitar)

Known for his credit on movie Last Emperor’s music tracks with Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Ayano Oki 大木彩乃　(Keyboard)

Trained in classical music background. Recently known for a commercial song for Shiseido, “Anata no Kiss wa”

Nobuo Nakahara 中原信夫　(Base)

Takako Sato　佐藤貴子 (Drums)　

She is known for a participation in a percussion group, Aragehonzi, who presents a combination of music from Akita's minyo as well as Brazilian, African, and European pop. Performed at Fuji Rock 2010.



Harvest Festival 2010 at Arupa

Arupa Komakusa (アルパこまくさ）, an onsen facility that is perefect for Komagatake hikers on a day-trip. The facility features a rotenburo (露天風呂）, an outdoor bath with a beautiful view of Lake Tazawa. A restaurant has a great selection of rice and noodle combinations including local specialties like Inaniwa Udon(稲庭うどん）, Tazawako B-men （田沢湖Ｂ麺）, and Menkoi-Komachi (麺恋こまち）.

Arupa Komakusa's HARVEST FESTIVAL

 Oct. 16- 17th, 2010.

Akita's fresh harvests will be available!

Wild mushrooms from Tazawako Area

Raw honey from Kakunodate Area

Saimyoji-guri Chestnut from Nishiki Area

Various fruits of Akita Prefecture

Also Available:

  Hiking and backpacking gears, equippments, and clothing! 

At an information tent by ICI Ishii Sports Inc.

A Success of Tazawako Marathon 2010!

The 25th Annual Tazawako Marathon was held last weekend, Sep. 19, 2010. About 5,000 runners participated in the event, in various courses from a pair marathon of 3km to the full 42.195km.

Despite the uneasy weather, runners started to gather as early as 6:30 a.m., preparing for the races starting at 10:00 a.m. All the races started simultaneously from different parts of Shirahama Site.

The start-up of full marathon gathered the biggest crowd! We got to see some in costumes that were so cheerful and entertaining!

Full Marathoon Start-Up

The shortest course was 3km, in which pairs run and whose times are added to compete. This is quickly done—in less than 30 minutes, almost all runners reach the goal. While some are very serious racers, others are first-time runners pairing with family and friends.

3km pairs at the goal

Other courses are 10km, 20km and the full, whose awarding ceremonies followed respectively. Also, drawing and paper-rock-scissors games were held for all the participants to win some prizes— like Akita brand rice, a Kitaura Ningyo (北浦人形) clay doll, Inaniwa Udon, and a pair tickets to Hawaii’s Honolulu Marathon!

Runners awarded by city mayor, vice mayor,

and president of Sakigake local newspaper company.

Also awarded were runners from each course who cheered up or stood out and make a positive influence to the crowd. This awarded man in the picture below with Mr. Kadowaki, our Semboku City mayor, said he runs like 30 races a year! Thanks for participating in Tazawako Marathon!

Moriageta-de-sho goes to someone who had stood out and made a positive influence!

Every year the main event is held at a large parking area next to the Shirahama beach of Lake Tazawa, where tents of local food and sport goods welcomed the people.

Rows of tents with various foods and goods!

Sports goods available!

Tazawako Heart Herb (5 min. by car from the site) was one of the tents. They sold a variety of good foods like freshly baked breads! Another tent sold colorful and flavorful rice cakes (mochi), home-made by a local lady, Ms. Chiba.

Tazawako Heart Heb's Tent

Mochi Tents

Also available: tea, water, miso soup and some foods!

The Kitaura Dolls and the artist, Mr. Sugiyama.

Non-perishable souvenirs are available as well. Take this Kitaura Ningyo (北浦人形）! The artist himself was there, and we could see his creating procedure. His studio is located 5 min. from Lake Tazawa, but it was a rare to see him work outdoors at such event. His dolls are so adorable and make the best souvenir from Tazawako. You can find them at local souvenir shops and Tazawako Tourist Information Center at JR Tazawako Station.

Hundreds of staffs --city workers and local volunteers (that included us) – worked together to put this event. At the end of the day, we unanimously agreed how high-spirited we remained! And this year’s success is credited to nobody but all the runners! Thank you!

There is something special about this kind of event—watching enthusiastic people and cheering them up together does make us feel good!!

Hopefully, we will see you next year!

Get Rakugo Tickets at Honey Festival

Yama No Hachimitsu-Ya BEE SKEP is a specialized honey shop located near Lake Tazawa. The company owner, Mr. Nishimura, is known as a passionate man full of innovative ideas of honey and revitalizing the community.

Bee Skep's Cafe and Pastry Shop

Bee Skep's Queen Bee's Cafe, an open rest space in a double-decker!

When you meet him, you will see how charismatic he is—the fun-loving and eager character attracts many people. He inspires his staffs to become cheerful and hospitable. They are so welcoming and lovely! His philosophy is "if you don't think you could give the best smile to customers, just take a day off." People is what he cares about -- No wonder his shop is the #1 seller in the industry.

Bee Skep’s Honey Festival is coming up soon!

DATE: OCT. 7-9TH, 2010. 9:00-18:00

BUS ACCESS: Bound for Lake Tazawa /Nyuto Onsen and

 off at “Tazawako-bashi” stop. The store is right in front.

Kikuou Hayashiya, a famous rakugo story-teller (Center)

Last year it hosted more than 10,000 people only for 3 days! Phenomenal!

Aside from the honey products in the store (jams, lotions, pastries, etc.), the tents outside will offer a variety of good foods from Akita prefecture such as Inaniwa Udon, sake, pickled veggies, white taiyaki (fish-shaped pancake of rice flour) and so many more things. You can also find Kikuzo Ramen, which is a package of ramen noodle designed by Kikuou Hayashiya, a famous Rakugo (落語；Japanese traditional verbal entertainment) story-teller.

Stage performances and recreational games are available as well. Try your luck to win some Bee Skep products!

What’s more? With a purchase of over 2,000 yen, you will receive a pair of tickets to the Rakugo event on October 16th. Yes, Mr. Kikuou Hayashiya will be the headliner along with opening acts by other prominent rakugo storytellers. The tickets are not sold—it is only given to customers at the Honey Festival. Only 1,000 tickets are given away on a first come, first served basis.

This will be a rare chance to see the real rakugo in Akita! Last year’s great success has become a legend now—we are sure it will be quite an event this time as well. YOU  MUST COME!

Obonai-Bushi Bon-Odori Festival

Bon-Odori is a festival of traditional dances in Japan that takes place during the o-bon holidays (August 13th- 16th). O-bon is said to be when our ancestor’s spirits return home. It is an important time for the family reunion.

Obonai-bushi, is a traditional folksong from Obonai area in Tazawako. Compare to donpan-bushi or akita-obako, Obonai-bushi might be lesser-known; however, many locals and practitioners are familiar with its song and dance.

Obonai Bushi Bon-Odori Festival was held on August 20th at the plaza in front of JR Tazawako Station.

A bon-odori festival in the JR Tazawako Station Plaza

At 7 p.m-- the locals showed up in various costumes.

Before the dance had begun, a local teachers group had a premier performance of the new version of Obonai-Bushi — Obonai-Bushi Samba!




Finally, the main event has begun.

Intermissions were inserted in between the dances, with performances by Ishigami’s children group.

 

When Ishigami Traditional Arts Preservation Group had a performance trip to Taiwan, they were befriended with another traditional dance group from Ugo Town in south Akita. They are dancers of Nishimonai Bon-Odori -- one of the three major bon-odoris of Japan.

Nishimonai’s performing group guested at our Obonai Bon-Odori Festival this year, bringing a glimpse of the famed dance to the audience in Tazawako.

Nishimonai Bon-Odori is said to originate in the 13th century. It is known for the ghost-like but elegant flow in movement accompanying the high-pitch flute and low beats of drum. The tradition had been once interrupted and banned during the 1920s because the local police considered it to be too “disturbing and mind-stirring.”