Northeast Six Prefectures Gratitude Festival: Delicious Food Performances & Exciting Fun Day

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
 
It has been four years and eight months since the Great East Japan Earthquake. To express our gratitude for the support and encouragement from all sectors in Taiwan during this period, which has enabled the Tohoku region of Japan to move resolutely toward recovery, the six prefectures of Northeast Japan have specially organized the “Japan Northeast Fun Day” event in Taiwan to convey their deepest thanks.

This year, continuing the spirit of last year’s “Northeast Six Prefectures Gratitude Festival,” the Northeast region of Japan is offering an even more heartfelt and exciting program, hoping to share the joy with the people of Taiwan. In addition to expressing gratitude to the Taiwanese public, the event also aims to create opportunities for exchange between the people of Northeast Japan and Taiwan by showcasing the charm of Tohoku tourism.

A gratitude zone has been set up at the event site, where heartfelt donations from Taiwan after the 311 earthquake have taken root and blossomed across Tohoku. In particular, the 2 billion yen donated through the Taiwan Red Cross was used to build the “Minamisanriku Hospital 0? Emergency and Critical Care Center” in Minamisanriku Town, Miyagi Prefecture, which officially opened on November 25, 2015. Going forward, it will continue to protect the residents of Miyagi Prefecture, serving as a beacon of light, warming the hearts of Tohoku with Taiwan’s love.

 
Event highlights are as follows:
To commemorate the friendly bond, the Northeast region of Japan has prepared the following two heartfelt gifts
　　    1. Growing Together – 0??? Japanese cherry trees gifted to Taiwan    2. Blessings from World Heritage Sites – 0??? Cultural treasures from World Heritage locations in Tohoku presented to the people of Taiwan

Goldfish lanterns in Aomori Prefecture. (Photo provided by Japan Northeast Fun Day)

During the three-day event, there will be lottery draws with great prizes including 10 round-trip flights to Japan and 15 JR East Japan Passes to thank the Taiwanese public. The main stage area will be designed in the style of Japan’s cherry blossom festivals, with a sakura avenue lined with food and drink booths where visitors can experience the joy of spring cherry blossom viewing in Japan.

 
Traditional festival performances: “Oga Namahage Daiko” from Akita Prefecture’s Oga Peninsula, “Sansa Dance” from Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, and other performances
 
Food and activity experiences: Including Miyagi Prefecture’s famous dessert “Zunda Mochi,” Tochigi Prefecture’s popular “Imo Kenpi,” Fukushima Prefecture’s “Kitakata Ramen,” and Aomori Prefecture’s “Hiba Shoyu Ramen.” There will also be a variety of sake and local sweets from across the Northeast, as well as hands-on activity zones and photo spots. Each booth will feature interactive activities, and a point card system is also available—collect enough points from designated booths to instantly join a “spin-to-win” flight draw. A total of 4,000 slots are available over three days, with abundant prizes and high winning odds.

Yamagata Prefecture mustard doll (top), spring cherry blossoms in Northeast Japan (bottom left), Akita Prefecture’s Namahage Daiko (bottom right). (Photo provided by Japan Northeast Fun Day)

Gratitude Experience Zone: Free hands-on activities include making Yamagata Prefecture’s mustard dolls and Aomori Prefecture’s goldfish lanterns. The gratitude zone also displays how Taiwan’s charitable donations were used in reconstruction, and features a “Tanabata Wish Bamboo.”

 
On December 5th at 14:00, Taiwan’s celebrity and spokesperson for the Japan National Tourism Organization’s 2015 Northeast Region, Evonne Hsieh, will appear on the main stage to meet visitors.

Early bird raffle tickets. The first 1,000 visitors each day are eligible to join the draw. (Photo provided by Japan Northeast Fun Day)

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