MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The month of May includes one nationwide observance and five local events offering attendees opportunities to continue building partnerships among their Japanese neighbors.
Kodomo no hi “Boy’s Day”
May 5th is known as Boy’s Day. The nationwide event celebrates boys among Japanese families, wishing sons good health, growth and happiness. Families who have a young son display Kabuto (Samurai helmet), Gogatsu Ningyo (samurai doll), Koi nobori (carp streamer) and enjoy a special food: Kashiwa mochi (rice cake wrapped in oak leaves and filled with sweet bean paste).
Misawa Commercial Senior High School Annual Concert
Date: May 1 at 6 P.M.
Location: Misawa Civic Center (GPS: 41.117268, 141.275484)
The high school’s brass band will host its 31st annual spring concert. Open to the public and free!
Nanohana Festival in Yokohama
Date: Saturday, 18 – Sunday, 19 May
Location: Nanohana farm at Yokohama town (GPS: 41.117268, 141.275484)
Yokohama town will be canvassed in bright yellow with Canola plant flowers. There will be staged events, food booths and a maze.
Toki no ichi
Date: May 11 & 12, 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Location: Shouwa Daibutsu, Aomori City (GPS: 40.820999, 140.815369)
Food booths, crafts and more will be included at Showa Daibutsu park, which is also known as “Big Buddha."
Rail-Bus Exhibition
Date: May 4 & 5, 9 A.M. – 4 P.M.
Location: Nanbu Jyukan railway shed, Shichinohe Town (GPS: 40.696558, 141.165326)
Nanbu Jyukan railway connects between Noheji and Shichinohe. Visit two preserved Rail-Busses and four locomotives.
Tennou Shrine Tsutsuji Festival
Date: April 28- May 12
Location: Tennou shrine, Shichinohe Town (GPS: 40.700480, 141.152034)
There are over 500 azaleas trees around the Tennou Shinto-shrine.