＜The Origin＞
The origin of Nebuta festival is not certain, but the festival was said to start among farmers and fishermen as a ritual event in order to drive away the bad spirit and sleepiness brought by the summer heat and get ready for the harvest and pray for the state of perfect health. The word “Nebuta” was said to be derived from “Nemuri” which means sleep. It seems that the festival started more than 300 years ago.
＜The Expedition of Nebuta Festival＞
Nebuta festival has made expeditions to other cities since the first visit to Sapporo in 1955 and Osaka EXPO in 1970. Also, the artistic qualities of the float, Japanese paper and light, are highly recognized at the first visit to Hawaii in 1963. Since then, the festival has been to Brazil, Italy, Taiwan, UK and other foreign countries.
＜Diverse styles of Nebuta Festival in Aomori prefecture＞
It is said that the Nebuta festival originally started in the west of Aomori prefecture. There are various styles of Nebuta festival: Aomori Nebuta is doll-shape float, Hirosaki Neputa is fan-shape float, and Tachi Neputa in Goshogawara city is doll-shape of 20 meters in height. The traditions have been handed down in each area.

＜Production of the Float＞
①  Plan
Right after the festival, Nebuta artists start researching a new theme and designing a new float for the following year.
②  Production by section
Arms and legs are created in advance.
③  Artist’s studio
Up to 2001, artist’s studios were located in residential area, but 22 temporary studios are built behind ASPAM from May through August as less vacant lot in residential area.
④  Wire structure on Wooden framework
A wire structure is assembled on a wooden framework. A wire is tied with cotton thread in order to improve strength of the structure and also possible to make more details.
⑤  Installing lights
About 1000 lights are installed managing not to make shades of woods.
⑥  Pasting papers
A piece of Japanese paper is pasted on each grid.
⑦  Indian ink
Drawing face and wrinkles of outfit with Indian ink is the most important process of creating a float.
⑧  Melted Paraffin Wax
Melted paraffin wax makes the paper translucent and stops running colors.
⑨  Coloring
Pigments and dyes are put on a white float with brush and spray.
⑩  Setting up a float on a platform
A completed float is set up on a platform with two wheels by 30 men.
⑪   Departure for the Parade
22 groups are standby on the parade course and take off at the signal of fireworks.