On August 16th, in Kuroishi, Aomori Prefecture, a traditional event called "Orakawara no Higarashi" was held.

The event is held on the evening of August 16 every year in the Okawara district in the eastern part of Kuroishi City, and has a history of more than 650 years. It is said that the Shinano aristocrats, who had fallen during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, started to commemorate the deaths of the South Korean war victims and to back home.

Young people dressed in stray clothing set fire to three small boats with sail pillars of less than 3 meters in height woven with reeds, etc., and pulled the boat down the Nakano River flowing through the area. The three vessels are seen as early, middle, and late, respectively, and are used to fortune the next year's agricultural illness and pray for people's illness and harm from the way they burn.

"I was interested in Japanese traditional events," said Ian Hamilton, a foreign language teaching assistant in the city who attended the event. It was the second time to participate this year, and he said, "I was able to walk in the river better than last year." "I'm happy that I'm participating in one of the communities," he said.

According to the sponsored "Okawara Hirashi Conservation Society", the number of young people participating is decreasing year by year, and in recent years, people from outside the area are calling for participation. Foreigners have never participated in the past, saying, "Three times you will be able to be called a full-fledged person. Please join us next year." It is said that applicants for participation after next year are also being recruited at any time.

For inquiries, please contact the Kuroishi Tourist Association (TEL 0172-52-3488)