Nebuta are very colorful images - paintings, sculptures, etc. - of scowling samurai most closely associated with Aomori and were designated a National Cultural Asset in 1980. The origin of the word is unclear and is generally written in hiragana, although one kanji set has it as “佞武多”, which would translate as “obsequience to many warriors,” an attitude clearly sensible to adopt back when there were many warriors who could legally cut off your head if they felt like it.
To aid Kumamoto restoration, Sendai, Aomori and Akita Prefectures have assembled a group of their Nebuta sculptures for display at Ninomaru Park on September (wow - September already?!) 3rd from 7:00 - 9:00 PM and 4th from 12:00 - 2:00 PM. The event is free of charge, but donations for Kumamoto recovery will be welcome. Tip o’ the hat to AnneMarie. - William