The Wonder One Neputa Association is currently calling for support for the production costs of participating in the Neputa festival in Owani Town.

The Owani Onsen Neputa Matsuri is held every year from August 1st to 7th, and is attended by groups led by local town councils. Haruya Yamamoto of the Wonder One Neputa Association said, "Every year, 20 groups participate, but last year there were only seven groups. I was shocked to see that there were only seven groups, and I wondered if there was anything I could do."

The Wonder Wand Neputa Association, which was started by three local classmates, is a new activity started this year by the volunteer group Wonder Wand. In June last year, he opened a cafe "From O" (Owani, Owani Town) in a vacant tenant in the center of Owani Town. He continues to use SNS and other means to convey his youthful message, such as posting videos of the opening up to the opening on YouTube.

Yamamoto said, "All three of us are U-turners from the Kanto region. Speaking of Aomori in Tokyo and outside of the prefecture, Neputa and Tsugaru dialect are representative topics. It is sad for children that they are disappearing. So, I decided to start a Neputa group because I want people to have precious memories and love for their hometown."

The Wonder Wand Neputa Festival is scheduled to participate in the joint operation on August 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th, and the support money collected through crowdfunding will be used for the production costs of the Neputa floats and the cost of procuring equipment. Reward items include the right to participate in Neputa festivals and Neputa paintings, as well as special products from Owani Town. Original happi coats and colored paper by Neputa painters will also be available.

Starting on May 31, the number of supporters has exceeded 90, and the total amount of support has reached the goal of nearly 1 million yen. It is said that there is an idea to set the next goal and rent original happi coats to participants. Mr. Yamamoto said, "I want as many people as possible to experience Neputa so that when children grow up, they can talk about their memories of Neputa. Crowdfunding is one of the means. I hope this will lead to the excitement of Aomori's Neputa," he said enthusiastically.

The application deadline is June 30th.