#Japan #Aomori #Nebuta Festival #thinc Journal #Asako Kitamura

The Nebuta Festival: A Cultural Treasure

The Nebuta Festival, held every summer in Aomori, Japan, is a vibrant celebration that attracts countless visitors and is a source of pride for local residents. This traditional festival features stunning lantern floats depicting historical figures and scenes from Japanese folklore, crafted with great skill and creativity by Nebuta artisans. Among them is Asako Kitamura, who has made history as the first female Nebuta artisan, an achievement that signifies a monumental shift in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Asako's journey began not with a deep-seated desire to become a Nebuta artist, but rather as a gradual awakening to her passion for this unique art form. Growing up, she admired the work of her father, Takashi Kitamura, a celebrated Nebuta master. While she respected his craft, Asako admits that she initially felt lost when it came to her future, grappling with feelings of inadequacy related to not having a clear career goal. However, her father's influence would eventually guide her towards a path she never imagined walking.

In a recent interview conducted by Gokey Ju, the CEO of Creators Match, Asako shared her journey towards becoming a Nebuta artist. From the challenges she faced in defining her career path to the rigorous training that led to her debut in 2012, Asako's story is one of perseverance and passion. She recalls that her journey included moments of self-doubt and uncertainty, particularly regarding her ability to earn recognition in a field where she was often the only woman.

The Road to Recognition

Asako's determination paid off when, in just four years, she made her debut as a Nebuta artist — a feat many professionals believe takes much longer to achieve. In her sixth year, she won the prestigious Nebuta Grand Prize, something she had doubted would come to her so soon. Winning this award brought with it immense pressure, making her reevaluate her approach to creating Nebuta works. Faced with the expectation to maintain high standards, Asako found herself fluctuating between her artistic integrity and the pressure to deliver results.

Despite the initial anxiety and trepidation following her award, Asako made a conscious decision to return to her roots, focusing on crafting Nebuta pieces that spoke to her artistic vision and joy. The global COVID-19 pandemic brought unique challenges for the Nebuta Festival and left an imprint on her artistry. As Asako navigated through these unprecedented times, she began to alter her creative process, infusing her pieces with newfound significance and hope amid adversity.

Asako's Nebuta work truly shines through her latest projects, especially the piece titled “Ennoozunu,” which received multiple accolades, including the excellent creator award from the Aomori Chamber of Commerce. This work serves as a testament not only to her skill but also to her evolution as an artist, showing how she has incorporated her experiences into her art.

Sharing the Love for Nebuta

In 2022, Asako took on another challenge by establishing her own company, Kitamura Asako Nebuta Studio. This venture demonstrates her commitment to mentoring the next generation of Nebuta artists and ensuring that the cultural heritage of the Nebuta Festival continues to thrive. In the concluding article of her series, Asako discussed what a year looks like for her as a Nebuta artist and her dreams for the future.

The thinc Journal has dedicated this series to shining a light on local creators and their endeavors to tackle community issues through creative means. Asako Kitamura's story is one of many worth telling, illustrating how the spirit of creativity lives on in the Nebuta Festival and beyond. Stay tuned for the final installment of her journey, where she offers insights and inspiration for aspiring artists everywhere.

Learn More

To explore more about Asako Kitamura and the Nebuta Festival, check out the full article series at thinc Journal. Here, creativity meets culture, allowing local talents to flourish and share their stories with the world.

About Asako Kitamura

Born in October 1982, Asako Kitamura honed her craft under the guidance of her father, Takashi Kitamura, a master of the Nebuta art. Asako broke barriers in 2012 by becoming the first female Nebuta artist, with her debut work “The Battle of Takuroku” winning excellence awards. She has continued to gain recognition, winning top accolades such as the Nebuta Grand Prize for her sixth-year creation, “Autumn Leaves Gathering.” Recently, she has collaborated on projects with department stores and companies, promoting the charm of Nebuta culture both domestically and globally.