Akita Kantō Matsuri: Lighting the Summer Night with Myriad Lanterns on Towering Poles |

The Akita Kantō Matsuri is held for four days, August 3–6, in the city of Akita, capital of Akita Prefecture. “Kantō“ are long bamboo poles laden with racks of bright lanterns. Carriers balance the poles skillfully on the palms of their hands, their foreheads, and other parts of their bodies, calling out a rhythmic chant as they parade. The festival is a highlight of the short summer season in the Tōhoku region (northern Honshū), and the undulating “kantō“ are reminiscent of ears of rice swaying in the wind