Kobe City Seeking Creators for “Hirosaki Neputa” Production, Bringing Culture to Aomori

　Kobe City is currently looking for creators to participate in the production of the “Hirosaki Neputa” featuring Kobe.

Kobe Neputa” operated during the “Hirosaki Neputa Festival 2024.

　Kobe City and Hirosaki City have been working to promote the relationship between the two cities since March 2020, when Fuji Dream Airlines will begin direct flights between the two cities. Hirosaki City has been holding “Hirosaki Neputa in Kobe,” an exhibition of the Hirosaki Neputa, a nationally-designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, in Kobe City since 2022. From 2024, Kobe City has been promoting the “Kobe x Hirosaki” Neputa Production and Operation Project to discover and nurture creators in Kobe City, and this is the second time the city is accepting applications for the project.

　This year’s open call is for about four creators and students who can participate in the “Hirosaki Neputa Festival 2025” on August 1 and 2, when the neputa will be put into operation, and in workshops and meetings for producing the neputa in Hirosaki City and Kobe City, respectively. The production will include designing, painting, coloring, and attaching to the framework of a “Hirosaki Neputa” with Kobe as its theme, under the guidance of Mr. Donryu Miura, a Neputa painter from Hirosaki City. No honorarium will be paid for the production, but Kobe City will cover the transportation and lodging costs for the trip to and from Hirosaki City.

　From May 30 to June 1, Hirosaki City will hold “Hirosaki Neputa in Kobe 2025” in Kobe City, where the “Hirosaki Neputa” will be displayed and operated. At this event, this year’s project members will be announced and the Neputa painters will be introduced.

　Mr. Yuki Itado of Kobe City’s New Industry Creation Division said, “Last year, for the first time, we were able to create and operate the traditional Hirosaki Neputa with creators in Kobe, and it was a deeply moving experience. We hope that new creators will join us again this year and interact with the people of Hirosaki City. Mika Matsushita of Kobe City’s New Industry Creation Division said, “The opportunity to be involved in Aomori’s culture from Kobe is precious. We hope that you will experience it while you are still young and broaden your horizons.

　Applications will be accepted until May 6 via the application form on the “Kobe x Hirosaki” Neputa Production and Operation Project website.