On July 17, students of Aomori Prefectural Hirosaki High School (Shinji Town, Hirosaki City, TEL 0172-32-0251) operated "Hirotaka Neputa" in the center of Hirosaki.

"Hirotaka Neputa" is a traditional event of the school with a history of over 60 years. For each class, puppets made by the students during the time after school will operate in the city. It has been popular among citizens as a feature that announces the arrival of the "Hirosaki Neputa Festival" starting on August 1.

This year, 18 cars participated in 6 classes, 3rd grade. The students in yukata walked along Chuo-dori and Dotemachi-dori while echoing the sounds of Hayashi and drums and saying “Yayadoh”. There was also an act of applause and cheers from the crowd gathered along the road.

A woman in her 30s from Hirosaki High School says, "I remember the days when I was busy with production work until the day of operation. I feel tears when I feel the arrival of summer." A man in his 40s smiles, saying, "I've become quieter than before, but I want you to continue with the unchanging Neputa forever."

The Neputa produced by the students will be transferred for 20,000 yen per unit (including Mae Torou). Only Tomarou is 5,000 yen.